Scott On Edinburgh Derby & Professional Pride
Hibernian Women head coach Grant Scott is expecting a 'fierce' Edinburgh Derby battle on Friday night.
Hibs will be looking to build upon Sunday's thrilling 2-2 draw versus Glasgow City with a victory over city rivals Hearts.
Ahead of the clash at Meadowbank, Scott is insistent that the team is still fully motivated to win games as the league season edges towards its conclusion.
"We’re in good spirits. The squad is happy and well. Happy to have a fight back result at the weekend and we are looking forward to the game.
"It’s a strange part of the season. It’s tough games. We’ve not got a lot to play for but there’s a professional pride. We are representing ourselves and the football club, we need to do that in all the remaining fixtures.
"Sunday was a sign that we’ve not switched off for our holidays yet. We are still fighting for points. It shows a lot about the character of the group that were able to come back from 2-0 down against a top side."
Hibs emerged as victors in the first two Derby meetings of the campaign, but it was Hearts who picked up all three points in the last fixture between the clubs in April.
"We can’t linger on it but I hope it provides a bit of motivation," Scott told Hibs TV.
"It hurts to lose against your closest rival in the city. We played OK in the first two games and came out with results. I’m not sure we deserved wins in both of them but you take it in those games.
"We didn’t turn up at all in the recent game. We spoke long and hard about that. It’s a home derby match and we are trying fiercely to win.
It has been a season littered with injuries for the Hibees, but no player has suffered as much as Rachael Boyle - who has yet to make an appearance this season.
However, Boyle has recently returned to training with the group and Scott is excited at the prospect of her making it back out onto the pitch soon.
"It’s not been a smooth ride for Rachael unfortunately. But it’s really positive signs that she is back out and amongst the group.
"Rachael has a huge influence on our group and the changing room. Her experience, knowledge of the game, the way she plays and the standards that she drives when she’s with us can’t come quickly enough for me."
On the announcement of club captain Joelle Murray's impending retirement from football after over 500 appearances for Hibs, Scott unsurprisingly lavished his veteran centre-back with praise.
"Mixed emotions. I’ve known for a little while. She knows it’s the right time. We know she can still do a job. But players know, it’s a mental battle sometimes as well as the physical.
"It’s obviously disappointing to lose a player of that calibre first and foremost, but happy she will remain in a different capacity. I think very, very highly of her.
"A bit of sadness losing an immense football player, but still having a great character and leader in our group which I hope continues into the future to help players we have."