John Collins: Gray can get much-needed boost with derby victory over Hearts

Under-pressure Hibs boss David Gray can get a much-needed boost by beating city rivals Hearts this weekend, according to former Easter Road favourite John Collins.

Edinburgh’s big two are in the bottom two places in the Premiership table going into Sunday’s first derby of the season.

Both clubs will be keen to take all three points and start climbing the table after disappointing starts.

Collins, who managed and played for Hibs, believes a win over Neil Critchley’s side would be the perfect tonic for Gray and cut him some slack with the support.

And despite a recent mini-revival for the Jambos under their new manager, the former Scotland international insists Hibs can take the win with a change in luck.

He said: “It’s a surprise really, nobody expected them both to be at the bottom of the table, but football always surprises.

“From Hibs’ point of view it is a big game for David at the weekend, it would be nice to see him, hopefully, get a little bit of luck and avoid red cards as I think that has been a problem in the last few games.

“Looking for positives: they have only been losing by one goal, at Ibrox a few weeks ago they lost 1-0 but played well and in the last couple of games red cards have cost them.

“So hopefully they can start turning those narrow defeats into victories.

“Hearts are coming off a good result and are coming with a new manager with a new style but in derbies it’s all about trying to stay calm.

“A win always boosts the clubs and boosts the fans, and this is the big one, every manager wants to win the derbies.

“If you win the derby games then the fans love that and stay with you and it can cut you some slack for the rest of the season.

“This will be the first derby of the season and it will be a home game, so hopefully from a Hibs point of view they can get the three points.

“It’s difficult for David, I have been there as a young manager and this is when you’ll need your staff, you’ll need friends and you have to try and close your ears to the negativity.

“He’ll be analysing the recent performances, how they have lost late goals and how they have lost players, because it’s difficult to win any game when you are a man down.

“Things haven’t gone his way, but he’s got to stay calm, keep believing in himself and keep believing in his players.

“It’s not easy, this will have been the most difficult period of his footballing life, he’s in the spotlight and results aren’t going his way but he has to be strong.”