John Robertson: Both managers would earn a point in the Edinburgh derby

Former Hearts hero John Robertson believes both Neil Critchley and David Gray would accept a draw in the Edinburgh derby if offered right now.

The capital’s big two meet at Easter Road on Sunday in a bottom-of-the-table clash as they look to start moving up the table.

After a disappointing start, Hibs currently sit bottom of the Premiership, with Hearts just one place ahead in 11th.

But the Tynecastle club’s record goalscorer believes the coaches would be happy to pick up a point each and move on to the next challenge unscathed.

Robertson said: “Neil Critchley is right on the doorstep so it wouldn’t be catastrophic for him if he doesn’t get the result he wants, but for both of us it’s huge.

“If you said it was a draw, they would probably take it under wraps right now and move on.

“But the importance of the match for both clubs is enormous.

“I think sometimes players who come from other clubs, as you’ve seen with players like Blair Spittal and Yan Dhanda coming from Motherwell and Ross County, sometimes I don’t think they realize how big the club really is and the pressures.” and demands that come with it week after week.

“We all talk about the demands that Old Firm players face when there is a cup final every week and every team wants to beat them because it is the most important game of the season.

“Hearts fans, Hibs fans and Aberdeen fans, with some respect, demand the same thing, they want that look and they feel they shouldn’t lose to any team outside the Old Firm and they should give the Old Firm a chance. run for your money.

“That’s a different level than some of the players and sometimes it can take a little time to adjust to that.

“Add to that the fact that suddenly you are playing in front of 17,500/18,000 home fans who are right above you instead of 6,000, 7,000 or 8,000 fans.

“So these things take time but there’s no doubt the quality of the team is there, Hearts have got it, they’ve added to a team that finished third comfortably last year and they’ve brought in extra players and that’s what they need to do.” .

“They need to calm down, they got a big win against St Mirren on Saturday and that helps everyone calm down a bit and gain momentum.

“Can they go to Easter Road and get something again? “And get back on track of where they want to be, but there is no doubt that with the team they have and the budget they have spent, although that doesn’t dictate anything, Hearts should be looking at a minimum to finish in the top six.”

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