Nick Montgomery surprised by Hibs derby blackout as boss claims Hearts clash offers worldwide appeal

Hibs boss Nick Montgomery has slammed the TV blackout of the Edinburgh derby - insisting a worldwide audience would tune in to one of Scottish football’s most explosive showdowns.

Saturday’s meeting is the first since May’s draw ended in a remarkable Tynecastle tear-up involving both technical areas. And Montgomery, preparing for his first taste of the capital clash since taking over in Leith last month, admits he can’t understand why it’s not live on the telly. Incredibly it’s the fourth successive time the Hearts - Hibs Premiership fixture has been snubbed by broadcasters with Sky Sports opting to show St Mirren v Rangers on Sunday lunchtime.

Montgomery, who left Central Coast Mariners in Australia to take over at Hibs, insists a game of this magnitude would always be beamed out live Down Under. The Tynecastle clash kicks off at 3pm and won't be legally available to watch anywhere in the UK. And Montgomery said: “I can’t understand why this wouldn’t be on the telly. You’re talking a worldwide audience of people who would want to watch this Edinburgh derby.

“It’s definitely disappointing for us as a club. I’m sure Hearts are the same and for the supporters. Not just the ones here but the ones around the world that follow their team and love watching big derbies.

“Every game in Australia is televised. There would be a lot of build-up going into it. I’m surprised it’s not on TV. A lot of people are going to miss out.”

Meanwhile the Hibs boss insists he will never back down from a battle - but says this afternoons’ derby will be won on the pitch and not on the sidelines as he appealed to his men to keep their cool in the heat of the Tynecastle cauldron.

His predecessor Lee Johnson escaped punishment after appearing to lash