Every word from Nick Montgomery's Hibs press conference

Do you have to calm the boys down or gee them up ahead of a game like this?

"I've been pretty calm, it's just about preparing as normal. It's a round ball, it's the same pitch as you get everywhere else but, yeah, but you have to factor that in. It's one for the fans. It's about making sure we concentrate on ourselves and don't get too carried away of the emotion of it being a derby.

You've got plenty of experience of big-city derbies - how can that help?

"Going back to my first derby, it was a little hectic and crazy and when I think about the derbies we had success in, it was when we prepared as normal and didn't get too carried away with the emotion of everything. For sure those experiences help you but ultimately when the whistle blows and you cross that white line, it's a battle, and they are battling for three points and the fans' bragging rights, so obviously there is a bit extra. It's a definitely a case of staying calm and making sure that emotion doesn't go on to the pitch as we've seen in many derbies over the road.

What have the fans been saying to you this week?

"I sort of keep myself to myself, I'm pretty quiet, but whenever I've popped to the shop, the fans are always welcoming and have been really nice. But this week, once or twice, I've bumped into a few fans that have said, 'make sure you beat Hearts' and I just tell them, 'I try to win every game, whether it's Hearts or whoever'. We just go out and try to win the game. Nothing will change.

Things got a bit tasty on the touchline last time out at Tynecastle... 

"It's always a hard one for the referee. Hopefully he makes the right decisions. We've got VAR involved as well. There's sometimes a little bit of nipping between benches and stuff but I try not to get caught up in it. Sometimes it's the coaching staff I have to tell to be quiet and sit down but everybody is passionate. You want passion every week whether it's a derby or not, but the fact it is a derby brings more passion. It's about keeping cool heads and making sure we concentrate on the game.

Steven Naismith's a bit of a fiery character... 

"Everyone who knows me knows I love a challenge, the battle, but I've got a lot of respect for him, he's had a fantastic career. It's irrelevant what happened last season. The game is ultimately going to be decided on the field not by having an argument in the dugout. Sometimes you just can’t help and emotions run over you. Sometimes something silly is said that winds you up. I’m sure we will try to be respectful for everybody and the game is the most important thing, not the two benches. 

Have you come across him before?

“I don’t know him personally but I saw his career. He is the manager of a big club now and he is passionate as well. I know that he is a winner and I’m a winner as well.

Is the derby a chance to make a real statement after a good start at Hibs?

“I don't look at the table now and nothing will be decided on Saturday. But, to go and win a derby anywhere away from home will give you a lift. What happens at the end of the game will be what it is but we want to keep carrying on this run of form. Momentum is big in all walks of life and definitely in sport. We have had some good results and we were unlucky not to win last week. We have strong competition for places and we are in a really healthy position going into the game. 

Hibs haven't won at Tynecastle since 2019, does that feature in your prep?

“I wasn’t here then so that doesn’t matter to me. My focus is on 2023. There is a lot of history for both clubs but it doesn’t matter what went before.

How impressed have you been by Joe Newell?

“I’ve been really impressed. I knew about Joe before coming here. I did the research and watched a lot of games from this season. He’s a very good player and is giving more because he can. He’s a good athlete. Joe and Jimmy Jeggo have been superb in the middle of midfield. It’s a real good partnership working hard for the team. Joe has class as well, he is good on set pieces, has a good left foot, good vision and he’s really enjoying his football. He has to be on his toes because Dylan Levitt and Allan Delferrière are behind him and pushing which means everyone is on their toes. Right now they’ve both been really consistent.

Did anyone playing in Tuesday's game give you food for thought in terms of selection?

"All the boys did. Allan played, and Dylan Levitt played. Young Rory Whittaker got 90 minutes as well so they are all fighting for positions in the team. What’s important is how we keep those boys that are not starting every week fit and match ready because there’s a lot of games coming up. There’s another international week coming up too so it gives us two weeks to get back on training ground and put some good sessions in because this is only the second full week we’ve had on the training ground.

Are you surprised the game isn't on TV?

“I can’t understand why this wouldn’t be on the telly. You’re talking a worldwide audience of people who would want to watch this Edinburgh derby. It’s definitely disappointing for us as a club. I’m sure Hearts are the same and for the supporters. Not just the ones here but the ones around the world that follow their team and love watching big derbies. It’s definitely surprising. Every game in Australia is televised. There would be a lot of build-up going into it. I’m surprised it’s not on TV. A lot of people are going to miss out.”