Hearts v Hibs: 'It is going to be a brilliant week' - Robbie Neilson has his say on derby double-header

Robbie Neilson could try to counteract passion with rationale in an attempt to push talk of the Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs and the part it now plays in a derby double-header onto the back burner.

But, he understands the club he manages too well to expect emotional equilibrium as they head into next month’s fixtures and will instead try to channel the hype effectively.

“Getting through was brilliant for us and it keeps the motivation going for the players,” said Neilson. “Because when you’ve got a 13-point lead in the league sometimes players can take their eye off it a wee bit. But with these games coming up they have to be at it and I’m delighted about that.”

Hearts will host city rivals Hibs on April 9, in the final round of cinch Premiership fixtures before the league split and with just one point separating the six teams positioned between fourth and ninth place, the Gorgie side could yet have a major say in determining frontrunners Hibs to nail down one of the three remaining and highly-contested top-six slots.

A week later they will then travel to Glasgow to face their Easter Road foes at Hampden.

“They are all desperate to be involved,” said Neilson of his players. “It is going to be a brilliant week but we have to make sure we go into it in form and make sure we don’t get distracted by that. We have to focus on Livingston on Saturday.”

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