 Jim Jefferies is looking forward to leaving Easter Road after inflicting another defeat on city rivals Hibs. There should be no need to deliver the fire and brimstone pre-game team talk to get his side lifted after last weekends disappointing 3-0 reverse at home to Killie. Hearts were distinctly second best last Sunday and missed the opportunity to move into third place in the league. Kilmarnock prevented Hearts recording their third win in a row, but Jefferies believes local bragging rights for the winners in the capital clash will be incentive enough for his side. He said: "We had a word on Monday and that was the end of it - pretty strong words, but there's no point harping on. They were disappointed with their display. The same players just didn't perform on the day, didn't pass the ball well enough, didn't apply themselves good enough. By winning this Sunday, that would be the best way to shake it off and it should make the players more determined to bounce back. That's the only way we'll get it right - if we go and play well on Sunday and get a result. What you look for is a response - and what better way to get a response. I've said many times, if you need to be motivated or lifted by a game like this then you shouldn't be playing football. This is an easy one for the managers, because the players will be determined in both camps to get a result." Jefferies knows all about the intensity and passion that surrounds the Edinburgh derby as he has been involved both as player and manager on many occasions but he will be crossing swords with Colin Calderwood for the first time. Calderwood is in for a baptism of fire for both his debut derby but also his first home game as manager. Hibs lost 4-2 at Aberdeen in Calderwood's first game before overseeing a marked improvement in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Dundee United. One defensive error allowed United's David Goodwillie to net an 87th-minute winner after John Rankin had seen a penalty saved at Tannadice. Jefferies is prepared to see another improved showing from Hibs . He said: "It's Colin's first home game, so everyone will be up for it. The first game he had only been in for a couple of days, but the week he had to work with his players he made them much more difficult to break down in the second game. They could've won the game if they scored the penalty, but they lost it. There's been an improvement. Any manager coming in gives the team a lift, a bit of freshness. They'll be difficult on Sunday, we know that. It's only his third game, but it will be a game both camps - managers, players, supporters - all want to win." |