Lee Johnson outlines Hibs aggressive plan to cut down Hearts and reveals cheeky nickname delivered by Robbie Neilson

Lee Johnson admits he and Robbie Neilson have already started the Hibs-Hearts mind games - and dubbed it the ‘Curly Toe v Cuban Heel Derby’.

The new Easter Road boss is a former team mate of his Jambos counterpart after a short spell at Tynecastle 16 years ago.

And while he poked fun at his own height when he revealed Neilson’s nickname for him, Johnson insists he’ll be doing everything in his power to cut Hearts down to size when the whistle blows on the new campaign.

The 40-year-old has promised to attack the Jambos with aggression even if it means the odd pasting - but insists it will bring more victories than defeats.

Hibs finished 16 points behind their rivals who romped to third place last season.

And Johnson said: “The derby was one of the big draws for me. It was the biggest and most passionate derby I ever played in.

“Robbie Neilson is a great mate of mine, I have to be honest.

“I sent him a message saying ‘I’m coming for you curly toe’. Robbie’s ‘curly toe’ came from his passing quality. He’d miss the first centre forward, it would go to the second centre forward then curl out of play!

“He replied saying he was really looking forward to this derby. He said it’s going to be the Curly Toe v Cuban Heel derby .. I’m obviously not the tallest of managers!

“So we already have that little bit of ‘spirit’ to win going between us if you like.

“It’s a big game and I love big games. I expect players to bring their best out in those games.

“We will be front foot, we won’t sit back, we will be aggressive in those games.

“We might get the odd pasting every now and again where we get it wrong but I think we will win more than we lose with that attitude.”

One competitor Johnson can’t wait to manage is Ryan Porteous, a