Garang Kuol fires Hibs reminder of 'convincing' Hearts record as Newcastle United loanee relishes Euro shoot out

Garang Kuol is convinced Hearts can hand Hibs some more capital punishment and hold off their rivals for fourth spot.

The Jambos are in danger of being leapfrogged by their old foes in tomorrow’s final day showdown. But Kuol believes the derby drubbings dished out this season will give them belief they can repel the threat from across the city. The Gorgie went down 1-0 when the sides collided in Leith last month but hammered Hibs 3-0 in previous back-to-back clashes in the league and Scottish Cup.

The on-loan Newcastle kid wants more of the same and said: “Of course. We’ve beaten them two out of three times this season and there have been some convincing wins. It’s the last game of the season, a derby, it’s going to be a tough match. But the boys are ready, we’re focused and we are going to go out all guns blazing.” Not many punters would have predicted a final day shootout with Hibs for fourth when Hearts were coasting in third a few months ago.

The wheels coming off the campaign allowed Aberdeen to motor past them and land the potential £5million Euro jackpot that comes with being best of the rest.

Securing fourth will be bittersweet for Kuol and co – but slipping down to fifth at the hands of Hibs would be unthinkable. The midseason slump cost former boss Robbie Neilson his job and while there have been encouraging displays under caretaker Steven Naismith, the future remains uncertain at Tynecastle.

The Aussie youngster said: “The boys have worked hard. Tough periods come by and to be in the position we’re in now shows the perseverance the boys have, especially since Naisy has come in. He’s got us working and to finish fourth, I think the boys can hold their heads high.”

Kuol’s spell in Scotland hasn’t quite gone to