Experience versus ability derby debate addressed as Hibs boss makes 'no scars' claim ahead of Hearts clash
Pick your strongest XI - and have game-changing impact subs ready to hit ground running
Experience can play a huge part in this sort of a game, of course. But for all the intangibles at play when David Gray sat down to select his starting XI for tonight’s meeting with Hearts at Tynecastle, the actual football – often overlooked in head-on derby collisions – surely must have been a factor.
Regardless of circumstances, stakes or opposition challenges, most managers know that there’s not a hell of a lot wrong with simply picking their strongest XI. Selecting the footballers with the skills and strengths to counter the ‘other lot’ while bringing their own talents to bear on the contest.
“That's a very good question, because it definitely comes into it a little bit,” said Gray, when asked about the experience versus ability debate yesterday, the Hibs boss adding: “You just can't be led purely on experience. Because then you'll have some players that are stepping into the unknown as well.
“That can be a good thing. No scars at all, going in there. Someone who's never played in it, that can be better than someone who's played in a few and never won one.
"There are certain players who have played at a high level, but when you come to this football club it's something you speak about. You speak about the derby, you speak about the opportunity to play in good atmospheres and big atmospheres, and this one certainly is.
"But at the same time, you don't want to carry it away with you. You need to be calm in the chaos – that's something I talk about a lot. It's usually the team that shows the most composure, settles into the game the best, and is the more clinical, that comes out on top.
"You want to build it up, and make sure the players are fully aware of what they're going into, but you don't want to go too far. You want to make sure you don't lose discipline because you can get caught up in that.
"That's the challenge for me, my staff, the senior players, and the new players. When you're pitching the club to players you want to sign, these are the games that you want to be tested in and showcase your talent - and why you should want to come to the club.
“So I think you need to look at all the different variables. It is very much, for me, about the game plan we're trying to put in place and who we think gives us the best chance from the start. I think the biggest thing and the most pleasing thing, now the window's closed and we've got bodies in, is probably the strength of the bench.
“I think that's always huge. The team that starts is never the team that finishes the game. So the ones that come on, a brilliant example of that during the week, can come on and try and make the team better. That's what needs to happen all the time.”
Warren O’Hora and Jamie McGrath both trained yesterday, although it would be a stretch to expect either/both to make the starting line-up. Which is a pity for Hibs fans who have come to appreciate both, to different degrees.
Nicky Cadden is fully fit and raring to go, however. And Gray could hardly be happier to see the wide man return with a bang against Dundee United last week, Cadden bagging two assists as a second-half substitute.
“Yeah, I just spoke about subs coming on and impacting the game,” said Gray. “So he comes on, two set pieces, two great balls. As a result of that, we went and won the game. So that's exactly what you want your subs to come and do.
“It's no surprise that Nicky's done that with his delivery he's got. He's consistently shown that across the piece, if you think back to even the last couple of derbies, to be honest.
“Jamie's goal (in the 3-2 in December), I think, comes from his cross. Dwight Gayle’s goal last year (in the Boxing Day win at Tynecastle) comes from his cross. He has got very good delivery. I think it's something that he works very hard at. I think he definitely gives you an asset when he is on the pitch.”
Who is under more pressure, league leaders or ‘under radar’ Hibs?
Hearts are obviously under enormous pressure to win tonight. The sort of pressure that Hibs would love to experience, given the nature of its source; being in a genuine title fight must be exquisite agony for Tynecastle regulars.
But Hibs cannot afford to simply sit back and wait for their hosts to crack under the strain, Gray pointing out: “I think the pressure's always there for both clubs to try and win a derby. I understand why you're asking the question with the league position.
“The fact that they've lost their last game and we've won our last game, I don't think that's got any bearing on it at all. I think Derek (McInnes) will be sitting looking for a reaction, the same as I was looking for a reaction after the Falkirk game.
“The pressure's always going to be there. Just because we're not second in the league, if we win the game and go above them, it doesn't put any less pressure on us. “The expectation and demand playing for this football club is always there. That won't go away, regardless of points or league position. The derby is very much about that.
“We're still in a very good position just now. Probably going under the radar a wee bit.”
The aim tonight is to appear not just like some temporary blip on the screens of neutrals and rivals alike, but to create so much white noise that Hibs become impossible to ignore. Which would be quite an experience, for new boys and derby veterans alike.