Hearts manager Robbie Neilson believes a draw being a big result for Hibs in the Edinburgh derby shows how good his side have been in the last 12 months.
The Easter Road club didn't win a game in this rivalry last season and it looked as if another defeat beckoned with Lawrence Shankland's first half goal separating them heading into stoppage time. New Hibs signing Martin Boyle came off the bench though to make it a dream start to his second spell in Leith, levelling the game up and making sure it finished 1-1.
Neilson's players are obviously gutted but exuberant home celebrations show the Hearts manager they are a big scalp. He said: “There will be highs and there will be lows. Today’s a low because we didn't get three points but we hope next week we can bring that high again. This is part of football and part of being a football player.
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
READ MORE: Hearts player rating v Hibs as Barrie McKay magic stands out but Jambos suffer derby sickener
“It shows where we are. We’ve dominated them the last couple of years. Hibs are talking about how they’re going to do this and do that this season.
"We came to their patch and we dominated them. We should have put them to bed earlier but we didn't do enough to do that.
"You're going to take hits and you’re going to be disappointed. But the pleasing thing for me is that we’ve got a real strong group in here."
READ NEXT:
- Hearts transfer update as Jambos keen on 'a few' players but Neilson sends 'take time' message
- Hearts injury update on Kingsley as Neilson predicts the Jambo destined for 'next level'
- Hearts transfer latest on Connor Ronan and Lee Seung-woo with futures addressed
- Three things we learned as Hearts ride Ross County storm to ensure opening day Tynecastle victory