Chris Sutton banishes Hibs negativity after derby joy as former Hearts boss addresses becoming rival manager
The Edinburgh derby has been assessed by the pundits after Hibs defeated Hearts.
Chris Sutton has defended Hibs’ season so far after Edinburgh derby joy - as Steven Naismith weighed in on where it went wrong for ex-side Hearts.
The Hibees secured a priceless 3-2 win against the Premiership leaders in the statement result of their season so far. After finishing third last term, there have been some inconsistencies surrounding David Gray’s side, but they still sit fifth and are very much in the European football conversation.
As Motherwell and Rangers sit above them alongside Celtic plus Hearts, Hibs were debated on the Warm Up by Hoops hero Sutton, ex-Jambos boss and current Scotland coach Steven Naismith, plus Ibrox favourite Kris Boyd. Assessing the derby, Sutton reckons there’s no need for negative voices surrounding Easter Road right now.
Chris Sutton on Hibs
Sutton said: “We have lavished praise on Motherwell, all season and they finished third last season. But their biggest problem is Hearts. That's their biggest problem and they haven't stepped up when they've played Celtic, when they've played Rangers.
“Maybe Saturday is a turning point. I don't think it's been all that bad. I think there's a lot of negativity sort of flying around about Hibs. I think they've been okay. I think they've been more than okay.”
Naismith added on Hibs: “I do think the next month for them is important. I would say that. If they don't push on and build that momentum, they will just drop into that mid-table.”
The former Hearts head coach then went on to discuss his former side. He reckons for the first time this term, they failed to get rewards after finding themselves facing adversity, despite a late flurry of attacking play. He said: “I think that'll be the bit that annoys the manager. If they start the game like that, they probably blow Hibs away, but they don't and that's probably the frustration.
Steven Naismith on Hearts vs Hibs
“The other thing I would say is, it's probably the first time this season that that test, if you like, they've no done that. They've beat their own firm home and away, both. They've come back from Motherwell at 3-0 down. I think this is the first time it's just no happened for them.”
Boyd added: “I think when you listen to Derek McInnes speak after the game, he was talking about doing the basics. That's one thing that Hearts have been very good at this year. They've stopped crosses coming in. If they haven't won the first ball, they've definitely won the second ball.
“They've had players in and around the area that can affect the play. I know it's small details but it's small details at the top level that gets you punished. I though it's the first time I've really looked at the Hearts defence and thought nerves are creeping in here. I thought Hibs overall deserved to win the game of football. They were by far the better team for a large chunk of it. Hearts, we've praised them this year as well, they’ll keep going to the end.”
Naismith also addressed the chances of returning to Kilmarnock where he featured as a player as they hunt a new manager after Stuart Kettlewell’s sacking, currently 11th in the league. The Scotland coach said: “My full focus is on the World Cup. It's not nice to see Kilmarnock in this state. I'm settled in the role I'm in. I wouldn't like it to happen (Kilmarnock to be relegated), I don't think it will happen. It's not nice, it's a club that obviously gave me my chance. I stay in the local area, it's not nice at all. I'm sure whoever takes the job will do their best to keep them at it."