Wouter Vrancken assesses Hearts stars' Scotland chances after derby glory as he provides injury latest on ace
The Hearts boss has reacted to a fine night at Easter Road against Hibs.
Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken basked in the glory of his first Edinburgh derby win - reckoning countryman and Scotland boss Sébastien Pocognoli will be left impressed with his Scottish core after a memorable win against Hibs.
The Belgian was experiencing Easter Road for the first time as Hearts head coach and those in maroon impressed during 45 dominant opening minutes. James Wilson and Laurent Mendy put Hearts ahead but Adam Mayor’s halving of the deficit on 51 minutes made things nervy. Jack Iredale was sent off soon after for the hosts after and Josh McPake’s own maiden derby was capped off by scoring the winner in an eventual 3-1 Premiership success.
It moves Hearts onto nine points from 12 available, seven unbeaten, already into the league phase of the Conference League, and in buoyant mood ahead of hosting Dundee this Sunday.
Vrancken said of beating Hibs: “It was really pleasing actually, we played a brilliant first half, I think.
Wouter Vrancken on Hibs 1-3 Hearts
“We were there, we won even in the first long ball, we were there in these moments. I was happy to see that, because it's not easy for players with the weight of the game, playing an away game. Like we said already before the game, you have to be there, man up, be there in this duel, show yourself in the loose balls. This is focus and concentration and at the same time you have to be above the emotions of the game, because otherwise you lose the overview to find spaces, to find free players and to find your quality.
“They adapted some things in half-time, and the moment we adapted on that, we gave it away. Then you give them some confidence there that was not needed. You give them some confidence, you get the crowd behind their team, and you give them some sort of momentum. Then it's important that we kept the focus, kept the concentration there. When you have a setback, and you have a lot of games already played in a short time, it's not always easy to keep it like this. We're really proud that we did it. Also a big thanks to the fans. Because I think a lot of moments in the game, it felt like a home game.”
Scotland boss Pocognoli was in the stands to watch Vrancken’s side storm to victory with good performances from the likes of goalscorer McPake and Calvin Miller. The Belgian believes he’ll have come away with a good impression.
Did Scotland manager watch Hibs 1-3 Hearts?
“I think so,” Vrancken said when asked if Pocognoli would be impressed with his Scottish contingent’s derby displays: “ I didn't call him on Thursday and I didn't see him after the game yet. I think also Calvin has already been performing at a high level all season. So I think they will look to these guys, but for me, no problem and he gives them some rest in the international break!”
Midfielder Blair Spittal was left in a moonboot post-match after picking up an injury in the second half but the Hearts head coach hopes it isn’t serious.
He added: “I don't think it's too bad. Talking after the game with him and seeing him jumping on his crutches. You never know. It's really early to say something about this. Hopefully he can get rid of the boot this evening or Friday morning.”