Hearts' last win over Hibernian is forgotten this week, says John Souttar
Tuesday 6 March 2018 13:05, UK
Hearts defender John Souttar says finally ending their winless run in the Edinburgh derby will have no bearing when they play Hibernian again this week.
Craig Levein's side ended a sequence of nine matches without victory when they defeated Hibs 1-0 in the Scottish Cup in January.
The teams meet again on Friday, live on Sky Sports Football (7.30pm), with Hearts 11 points behind their rivals in the Scottish Premiership and looking to close the gap.
Souttar is adamant the last result is not a factor, however, and said: "We didn't think too much about it. Obviously winning in the Scottish Cup was a big result for us and the club.
"But it's done now and all our focus is on Friday and we've got to produce the same performance we did that day.
"It's the same as every game. You can't look too much in the past. We've got to be fully focused for Friday, as I'm sure we will be.
"We don't focus too much on what is said outside the dressing room. We just focus on our own performance.
"You look forward to every derby as a player. It's one of the big occasions where the city comes together and there's a lot of support from everyone.
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"We'll have a big away support and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about. The derby's a big deal and it's such a big rivalry."
Souttar has impressed for Hearts this season and was a major contributor to the club's record run of eight consecutive games without conceding a goal earlier in the campaign.
In turn, he has been tipped for inclusion in Alex McLeish's first Scotland squad for their forthcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary when it is announced on Thursday.
Souttar is yet to win his first cap after 10 international appearances at under-21 level but maintains he is not giving it much thought.
He added: "I've not heard anything but if I do get the call it'll be a massive honour. It's something I've dreamed of since I was a boy.
"Everyone wants to play for their country. I would be ecstatic if the call came but for now my focus is fully on Friday night."
