Nick Montgomery (left) takes his Hibernian side to Tynecastle to face Steven Naismith’s (right) Hearts on SaturdayScottish Premiership: Hearts v Hibernian
Venue: Tynecastle, Edinburgh Date: Saturday, 7 October Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland Extra, watch highlights on Sportscene and follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app
Nick Montgomery has stressed that he will not be overawed by an “electric” Edinburgh derby debut when his unbeaten Hibernian side travel to Hearts.
Yet to taste defeat in his first four games, Montgomery leads his team to a sell-out Tynecastle on Saturday with the prospect of leapfrogging their city rivals in the Scottish Premiership.
Only a win in Gorgie will achieve that, something Hibs have not managed since 2019, but Hearts boss Steven Naismith is determined to use an “incredible” atmosphere to extend that run.
“Being a derby, there’s an extra edge to it,” the former Scotland striker says. “The outcome of the games probably weigh heavier, but the main objective is to get the win.”
“Ultimately, it’s just three points at stake,” Montgomery adds. “Nothing changes there. But it will be a good crowd with a good atmosphere.
“It’s not something that’s going to shock me. I’ve played in big games before and I’ve seen the passion [at Tynecastle]. I understand what it means.”
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Both bosses expect fitting spectacle
Naismith believes that the derby could be decided by whoever manages the occasion better. Given Hearts have only lost one of their last 11 meetings, he will be confident that his players can come out on top in that regard, especially at home.
Montgomery, who has a fully fit squad to choose from, echoes his counterpart’s viewpoint, but the former Sheffield United stalwart also feels that the match may well be won or lost on the touchline.
Tensions boiled over between both benches in the most recent Tynecastle encounter in May, resulting in post-match red cards for ex-Hibs boss Lee Johnson, defender Rocky Bushiri, former Hearts keeper Ross Stewart and goalkeeping coach Paul Gallacher.
Watch as tensions boil over in the most recent Tynecastle derby
This time, Naismith is expecting the drama to take place on the pitch as both sides come into the clash “off the back of some decent results” following their progressions to the Viaplay Cup semi-finals.
“We understand it’s a derby and what comes with that,” the Hearts boss says. “But I’m comfortable that the majority of our group have experienced it and understand what it’s going to be like.
“I think it’ll be an entertaining game because both teams will try to play attacking football, so it should be a good occasion.”
“We will be going there tomorrow giving them full respect,” Montgomery adds. “I don’t think I need to motivate the boys any more, I’m sure the fans will do that when they step on the pitch.”
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