Rowles: Edinburgh derby will come down to 'who wants it more on the day'

Hearts star Kye Rowles says this weekend’s Edinburgh derby will be decided by “who wants it more on the day”.

The capital’s big two will clash for the first time this season at Easter Road on Sunday, with both sides hoping to earn some much-needed points.

After a disappointing start to the campaign, Hibs and Hearts occupy the bottom two places in the Premiership.

The Tynecastle club sit in 11th, and David Gray’s side are in 12th following last weekend’s defeat to Dundee United.

Hearts have shown some signs of starting to turn the corner under new manager Neil Critchley with two wins from his first two games since replacing Steven Naismith in the dugout.

They followed up a 4-0 win over St Mirren in his first game with a 2-0 Conference League victory over Cypriot side Omonoia on Thursday night.

Australia international Rowes says the growing positivity within the club can only help but insists the nature of the derby means it will be a fight for the three points.

He said: “I think it helps going into the game with a positive feeling around the team and the club, but at the same time it’s a derby and anything can happen.

“We know that both teams are going to be up for the fight, and at times, it might not be the greatest of football on show, but it’s about whoever wins the fight and whoever wants it more on the day.”