Head coach Neil Critchley explains Hearts are looking to make a good week a ‘great week’ with three points in the derby on Sunday.
It’s been a positive week for the men in maroon who have picked up three points against St Johnstone and St Mirren, which has seen them move into the top six.
Both sides of the capital come into the match in good form and speaking to the media, Critchley admits it’s a match everyone is looking forward to.
“Yeah, we’re very excited. We've had a good week so far, six points from six. We want to try and make a good week, a great week if we can.
“I enjoyed the occasion [last time at Easter Road]. With any derby game, the atmosphere is always intense. There's loads of passion and I don't think this will be any different.
“Two teams in really good form, going to try and win the game. There's been fine margins in the game, and it's got the makings of a really good game. Both teams will be going for the win.
“I think there's a different psychological feel to the game because of the different situation that both teams find themselves in. I think both teams will be taking to the pitch with a more positive feeling.That might mean it's a different type of game from both teams. But yeah, it is exciting. I'm really looking forward to it.”
Critchley believes his side have improved a lot since the last Edinburgh Derby at Tynecastle and have started to find their identity, with new arrivals in the January window only adding to the positive environment within the group.
“I think we have shown improvement. We had some good performances prior to that as well, just probably a little bit of inconsistency. And maybe having a little bit more time between the games has just helped us to reinforce some of the things that we want to see from the players, our principles.
“Your identity takes time, you need consistency in your work for the things that you want to become habits. To become habits, you've got to keep working at them, and we've probably had that time. We've been better at both ends of the pitch.
“I think January helped with some of the players that we brought in. There's a new energy and enthusiasm from the players. I think we've seen the benefits of that.
“From the first moment I've walked in here, I've never felt there's not been a togetherness within the group or within the club.
“I've not felt anything but support. It's understandable when you're not in the position where you want to be in the league, or you're in different games and you lose some games, that there's going to be a natural disappointment.
“Those feelings of frustration, I totally understand that, but I've never felt that the club's not together, or the players are not with us, or we're not with them. But with winning games and improved performances, that belief and that togetherness does grow.”
You can watch Neil’s press conference in full on Hearts TV.
