Scott: Always Special To Play At Easter Road
Grant Scott insists his side's "preparations remains the same" despite a "buzz" pulsating through the Hibs camp ahead of this week's Capital Cup clash at Easter Road.
All four league Edinburgh Derby matches ran close last season - with Hibs winning three and losing one - and another close encounter is likely on Friday night.
Ahead of the visit of Hearts, Scott expressed his delight at hosting another meeting between the two sides at Easter Road.
"It’s nice to be here," Scott told Hibs TV at the stadium.
"I don’t know how many times I’ve managed here now, but it’s always a special occasion.
"There is a few more fans than normal against your city rivals. I’m really looking forward to it now."
The Hibees head into the Derby in excellent form, with four impressive victories preceding a solid 0-0 draw against league holders Celtic last Friday.
The Gaffer is keen to keep his squad grounded and focused ahead of the clash, however, while recognising the great position the team is currently in.
"I think we are in a good place as a group.
"We are happy with our start to the season. It’s another three points we are looking to secure.
"We are fully focused on the performance on Friday night and we will see where that takes us."
With both Hibs impressing early on in the SWPL season, Scott admits he would like to see his side push on and challenge those at the top.
"I think we have to aspire to catch the teams above from last year. We ran a few of them close in games last season.
"We’ve had a favourable performance against on Friday past [versus Celtic]. Hearts did that last season by taking points from the Old Firm."
To challenge at the top, a reputation boost would never hurt an ambitious club looking upwards - something the Hibs boss hopes 'spectacles' like Friday night can bring to Hibs Women.
"There is a lot of evolution happening in the game - especially across the last few years, in particular. And long may it continue.
"Driving into the event this morning and hearing the advertisement on radio, the game is being well pushed by both clubs now.
"It is a fixture that warrants it - male or female. We need to promote it as best we can and make it a spectacle when it comes to match day."