John Robertson in Hearts 'scenes' on pundit duty as 'incredible' Jambo who helped him soar towards roof named
The Hearts icon was at Easter Road to watch his former side earn a priceless win over Hibs.
He almost hit the roof in Hearts delight - and John Robertson has named his key star who’s inspired the Jambos on the road to ‘immortality.’
The latest Edinburgh derby was won 2-1 by Derek McInnes’ visitors to Easter Road in a massive weekend during this season’s enthralling Premiership title race. Celtic won on Saturday against Falkirk to move into second and level on points with Hearts, and Rangers lost to Motherwell, allowing the Tynecastle side’s comeback win to send them three clear ahead of hosting the Light Blues on May 4.
Martin Boyle put Hibs ahead before red cards for Raphael Sallinger and Felix Passlack edged David Gray’s men towards self destruct. Hearts icon Robertson was on punditry duty for Sky Sports and was left buoyant as a Warren O’Hora own goal and Blair Spittal strike sealed three massive points with four games to go. Sabah Kerjota came off the bench to create the two goals and the former forward insists those key moments have edged the club’s current crop towards iconic status.
How did John Robertson celebrate Hearts goals vs Hibs?
Host Eilidh Barbour started the conversation with: “The scenes in the away end here at Easter Road. John Robertson, the scenes in this studio, when Hearts scored that second goal. You nearly hit the roof!”
He responded: “Yeah, it's huge. We said at the time there was worry that the game was running away. Hibs got everyone around the ball. They put their bodies on the line. They defended but we just felt that something was going to happen. It's huge. We said before if they could turn it around with the Rangers result, what an opportunity now next week, because Celtic have to come to Easter Road. That will be a tough game. Hearts, technically, could take Rangers right out of the race next Monday night.
Robertson added later in the broadcast: “In the first half they were playing it like it was the last five minutes of the game. We're screaming at the fact that, you heard Derek say it, he wanted overloads in wide areas. We're saying that when Spittal goes inside, it leaves Kerjota one-on-one, and Jordan Obita then has an unbelievable problem. That's where the goal comes from.
John Robertson on Hibs 1-2 Hearts
“Spittal’s actually stayed inside, Kerjota’s been incredible. Comes on, creates the first goal, creates the second goal and Hearts get there. It's harsh on Hibs, the two red cards didn't help them but they both were red cards, so they kind of shot themselves in the foot there. Hearts kept going and going and we've said before, if you're going to win a title, you're going to have to get things going for you. They had things going for them.
“Rangers have lost and there's a chance for Hearts next week now to take Rangers right out of the equation. Right out of the equation with three games to go. This was massive and they move on. There is still a lot to be done but they have a big squad. They have quality up front, midfield and wingers who can create, real steel at the back. Immortality awaits in maroon and white.”