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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Robbie Neilson admits Hearts' win over Aberdeen means NOTHING as he reveals half-time message

Robbie Neilson says Hearts' win over Aberdeen means NOTHING as focus turns to the huge Scottish Cup derby showdown with Hibs.

The Jambos strengthened their grip on third spot and the race for European football next season with a five-star showing at Tynecastle. The capital club hit Jim Goodwin's men for five in a statement win with goals coming from a Graeme Shinnie own goal, Michael Smith, Lawrence Shankland, Josh Ginnelly and Cammy Devlin.

The home side raced into a four-goal lead by the interval with Neilson revealing his half-time message was to keep that intensity high, but concedes his side weren't as good in the second 45 but grabbed another goal and kept Aberdeen out at the other end. He told the Hearts FC website: “I’m delighted to get the three points, but to be honest it means nothing. We get a pat on the back for a couple of minutes, but it is all about Hibs on Sunday now.”

READ MORE: Hearts 5 Aberdeen 0 three things we learned as Jambos hammer dreadful Dons in third-place battle

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He continued: “It was something we spoke about before the game,” Neilson said of Smith’s goal. “Trying to play these diagonals and get our wingbacks high, so I am delighted with that.

“It is great to score the goals. Going in at 4-0 is great, but we spoke at half time about trying to keep that intensity high, because that can be difficult sometimes. We weren’t as good in the second half, but we still managed to get another goal and a clean sheet which is very important.”

On Sunday’s Edinburgh derby, the Jambos boss added: “We are really looking forward to it, tonight was about taking care of business but now all eyes are on Sunday. It is our biggest game of the season.”

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