Andy Halliday admits hearing the Hibs fans singing about him inspired him to fire Hearts to an Edinburgh derby victory.
The travelling support in the Roseburn Stand too delight in reminding Halliday of his part in their 2016 Scottish Cup final while they were leading in Gorgie.
But the midfielder shut them up on the stroke of half-time by drawing the hosts level, then scored Hearts ' third after Stephen Kingsley given them the lead.
“I get a bit of stick everywhere I go, unfortunately!” He said. “It’s part and parcel of football and derby games, it doesn’t bother me at all, it’s all in good jest.
“It’s obviously a big derby and I have always been a football player who enjoys these.
“A bit of a sing-song when you’re one down with a lot of time to go can sometimes drive you on to impose yourself on the game. And thankfully I was able to get a couple of goals.
"We’ve shown throughout the season we can face adversity. I'd like to thank the fans because their role in that was really important. I thought the stadium stayed with the team even though we went 1-0 down really early. It’s not easy going behind at home in a derby.
"It’s a massive game, one that means so much to the football club and the people in this city so to be part of this and get three points means a lot.
“You’ll reflect on your career and look back on days like today, playing in these big games. It’s a real privilege.
"I think it is important that over the next 48 hours that we reflect on how far we’ve come.
"Third place is secured and European football. We certainly feel as if we belong at that level.”
Halliday was replaced after taking a knock on his Achilles.
But he’s confirmed it was just precautionary ahead of next Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash.
"I feel fine,” Halliday said. “It’s an injury I have had off and on for a couple of years. Another kick and twist on it flared it up again. Rest and ice to make sure I’m ready to go again next week.
“Next week is massive, not only for the bragging rights for both teams in the city, but financially it could mean a lot.
“I don’t believe form comes into play in cup games.
“I don’t think Hibs were in great form when they beat Rangers in the League Cup. We know Hibs have quality players, they showed that in the first 20 minutes.
“It’s important that we attack the game in the same way. As long as we play our football and stick to the task then we can do well."
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