“Hopefully our players can go and perform the way they have done since the start of pre-season and maintain the form they have shown.
“I scored three for Hearts — it should have been four — in a Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs at Hampden. It was probably one of the biggest Edinburgh derbies for years at that time.
“So to get three goals was fantastic and you are remembered for that — hopefully some of our players are remembered from Sunday for putting on a good performance and show.”
“It is something that is new to me and a lot of our players but it is a game we are all looking forward to and it should be a cracker.
“It is sold out and both teams are doing well in the league so it is one we can’t wait for.
“Being a player is different from being a manager and how you approach a derby.
“When you are a player, you can do something about it out on the pitch.
“I have played in the Edinburgh derby and the big one, the Old Firm derby, but this is something new because I am a manager for the first time in one.
“So I am excited about it. I have seen them on the telly but I have never been to one.
“By all accounts, the atmosphere is special and it is one of the games you look for when the fixtures come out.
“You want to see when you are playing your rivals. The players are really looking forward to it.
“Like any derby, you are desperate to win it. The bragging rights for supporters are massive.
“We think we are in the best shape for a number of years. I think we have a squad on the park who can compete with the best teams.
“We have shown this season that we don’t fear anyone and we go into the game with lots of confidence.”