His only experience of an Edinburgh derby so far was in Glasgow with no fans in the stadium.
For Andy Halliday – who says he gets grief at every ground in the country – you would think that might suit him.
The Hearts man is made of sterner stuff though and can’t wait to run out in front of a full Easter Road crowd for Tuesday night’s clash – even if the home fans are giving him flak.
Halliday wants to play his part in getting Robbie Neilson’s side a victory that would be a huge step towards finishing above their bitter rivals in the Premiership.
Just a year after Hearts ’ promotion to the top flight it would be a terrific achievement and it would get one over on the Hibees.
As he prepared for his first league derby, Halliday said: “We took a lot of criticism last season for our performances, rightly so.
“We always thought we had a squad more than capable of coming up to the top-flight and competing.
“Once we added some fresh faces, we felt we could do well.
“We didn’t want to just be languishing in the bottom six, trying to establish ourselves back in the league again.
“We wanted to come and show how good we are. We’ve done that so far but there is a long way to go so a result on Tuesday against Hibs could really help us.
“I’ve only experienced one Edinburgh derby, at Hampden in the Cup, and it was behind closed doors.
“So I’m desperate to get a crack at it in front of fans. I’m sure I’ll get stick but everybody gives me stick so I’m used to that by now!
“It’s all in good jest and this is a big derby. If you don’t want to play in a game like this there is something wrong with you.
“These are the games you’ll look back on at the end of your career and say you were fortunate enough to play in.
“I’m sure it’ll be a great occasion but the goal for us, like every game, will be three points.
“Psychologically, it would be good for us to win after Hibs appointed a new manager.
“We know it’s going to be difficult going there. We’ve played them already this season and a draw was a fair result.
“I think both teams have improved since then.
“I’ve watched a few of Hibs ’ games and I can see already that Shaun Maloney is trying to put his own imprint on them.
“We know they have players who can hurt us but we have a lot of confidence in our own squad. If we go there and play the way we know we can, it should be a good game with both teams wanting to win.”
Halliday has been an excellent signing for Neilson since arriving from Ibrox in 2020.
As well as ability and experience, his versatility has seen him deployed as a full-back, wing-back or central midfielder.
His contract is up at the end of this season and Halliday is keen to extend his stay.
He said: “I feel as if I have been a bit unfortunate at times, as my form has been good when I’ve played.
“A couple of things haven’t gone my way. I picked up an injury when I was in the team then I came back and got sent off against Aberdeen, which I thought was harsh.
“But it’s up to me to play as well as I can whenever I’m given the jersey and I feel I’ve done that.
“I love it here, I have said that since the day I joined. I really enjoy being at this club.
“In the meantime it’s up to me to try to get back on the pitch because that’s where I want to be.”
Hearts have extra firepower after taking young Everton striker Ellis Simms on loan.
He made an impact on his debut against Celtic last week and Halliday says he can take the load off top scorer Liam Boyce.
He said: “Ellis coming in has helped us. Boycey has been the main source of goals but I’m sure Ellis will be fighting for the jersey.”
