David Gray: Hearts’ status at top puts no extra pressure on Hibernian in derby

David Gray dismissed any notion that Hearts’ status as William Hill Premiership leaders puts extra pressure on Hibernian ahead of Saturday’s Edinburgh derby.

The Jambos are six points clear at the top of the table and some Hibs supporters are growing concerned about the possibility of their city rivals winning the league for the first time since 1960.

While the fifth-placed Easter Road side are 16 points adrift of Hearts, Gray insisted the league positions of the two clubs did not make this weekend’s showdown more pressurised than any other derby for his team.

“I understand why you’d ask it, but regardless of where we are in the league, what division we’re in, the magnitude of this game and what it means to the supporters, it wouldn’t matter,” Hibs boss Gray said on Monday.

“It could have been a friendly down the public park and it would still have the same meaning in terms of what’s at stake.

“It’s three points that are, if you can get them, really important. And it would be really important for us to then go and kick on, so I don’t see it as more pressure on us.

“I think that pressure would always be there, regardless of where we find ourselves in the league.”

Gray acknowledged that Hearts have been the best team in the league up to this point, but said: “I think it’s very early to be talking about winning leagues.

“One thing I would say is that the league doesn’t lie at this moment in time. They’ve been the form team, they’ve only lost one game, so that level of consistency has put them in a fantastic position.

“We know it’s going to be a difficult game but it’s the best game in the calendar for the players and they should be looking forward to that.”

Gray confirmed that Chris Cadden was set to return after missing Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Dundee United due to the birth of his child, while Warren O’Hora had recovered from illness.

“By the time the derby comes around, Chris Cadden will be available,” said the manager, who will again be without Africa Cup of Nations trio Rocky Bushiri, Miguel Chaiwa and Jordan Obita.

“Warren is feeling better today, he’s done a little bit of light training after recovering from his illness.

“Rudi Molotnikov trained as well today, but he won’t be ready for the derby.”