Toby Sibbick has come out swinging in defence of the standard of Scottish football by saying some need to 'educate' themselves on the game.
The Hearts star has seen both sides of the argument having played for the likes of Barnsley and AFC Wimbledon in his youth career before making the jump up north to Edinburgh last year. Sibbick has become a fans favourite under Robbie Neilson and has already experienced big successes with the Jambos including having the chance to play European football.
The defender, who can also operate in midfield, believes the general barbs thrown at Scottish football for its standard are wide of the mark and through his own experience, he can attest to the fact that there is real quality on show. The 23-year-old also insists some from the outside are stuck in a certain 'mind-frame' when it comes to the game in Scotland.
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He told Edinburgh Evening News: “In England, there are four tiers. There are some really good teams in League One, like Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County. Sunderland were in there for a long time as well. They struggled to get from League One into the Championship.
“If, let’s say Celtic, Rangers or even us to an extent, were to face some Championship teams, I do think we would give them a good game and beat them. Down south, I think they are still a bit stuck in that mind-frame. If you actually watch the games and do some education on it yourself, you will realise that there is quality up here.
“Every player wants to play in the big games an Europe and test yourself against the best in the league. Sometimes it’s not a nice scoreline but you do enjoy playing against those players. They have real quality and show it every week. I’m looking forward to the challenge of competing and trying to get that third spot in the league with Hearts.
“When this move came about, my family wanted me to do it. They know what’s at stake up here. You can win the Scottish Cup, you can compete in Europe and stuff like that. A lot of people look from the outside at Scottish football and might not think it’s a good standard.
“Every week you are playing against different opponents who ask different questions. Anyone can really beat anyone in this league. For me, I just need to stay switched on, stay in the team and do the best I can to help us keep doing well.”
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