By Hibernian FC

Derby Day Excitement

“I’m really looking forward to it. It will be an unbelievable atmosphere at Easter Road, it feels like a really big game, if not the biggest of the season so far.

“We have to play with a skill and a will to excite the fans and get everyone going. We’re a team that can score goals, particularly at home, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

What Johnson wants from his players

“Someone will be the hero and we have to make sure that hero is in green and white.

“It’s a tough game, Hearts are a good side, but we’re a very dangerous side ourselves. We’ve got goals in us, but we have to defend stoutly against their quality.

“We have to show that passion and fight that fans want to see from a Hibs side. It’s up to the boys to go and produce when they cross the white line.

“You’ve got to play the moment. We’re all hurting from the Derby defeat before, but you have to use that. You have to play the moment.

“We’ve got some quality players in our team; we will set them up right and we will look forward to a wonderful game.”

How have the lads been?

“The lads have been quite chilled. There’s not been tension in the group, but that’ll build into the crescendo, which will be a positive in the performance.

“Fans will bump into players, like I bump into them, across the city, and we get that feeling. Communication between players, fanbase, squad, staff is so important going into this game.”

Importance of the fans

“Fans sticking with us until the end is fundamental. We’ve had a few late comebacks and Easter Road and we need the backing of the fans.

“The 90 minutes plus added time will need a huge effort from the players and you should never underestimate how that noise and support can boost an individual in their effort and work rate.”