Kye Rowles sends message to Hibs boo-boys as Hearts defender spells out how Edinburgh derby will be won

Kye Rowles has warned the Easter Road boo boys they’re wasting their time - because their derby day slurs only spur Hearts on.

The Jambos defender can’t wait to enter the lions den in Leith on Sunday and knows he’ll cop pelters from three quarters of the sold out ground with capital bragging rights at stake for the first time this season. Tensions will be further stoked with the rivals locked on five points at the bottom of the Premiership table after enduring miserable starts to the campaign. But Rowles is convinced Hearts have turned the corner under Neil Critchley.

Back-to-back wins at Tynecastle over St Mirren and Omonia in the new boss’ first two games has seen confidence soar ahead of the trip across the city. And Australia international Rowles is now targeting three in three - and silencing the Hibs hecklers. He said: “Yeah, I don't mind it, to be honest. Sometimes it's funny. I like it when they get creative and stuff. Usually I just cop ginger. That's a bit boring.

“Look, I know for all our boys we'll be spurred on by getting booed and things like that. I just can't wait to be in there. It's good. It gets you going. Gives you a lift in energy, especially late on, or if you're struggling for a period in the game and you hear that, you know, you get a little burst of energy and that little kick of fight that you need. It gets you going.

“I think we're both fighting to keep each other down there, so hopefully we can get the win. But anything can happen on derby day. Whoever wants it the most on the day is going to get the three points.”

Rowles has looked back to his best beside Frankie Kent in the centre of a four man Hearts defence that’s delivered back-to-back clean sheets under Critchley. Another one on Sunday