25.10.2014 02:11 h

Hearts confident ahead of Edinburgh derby

Hearts goalkeeper Neil Alexander says his teammates are brimming with confidence ahead of Sunday's Edinburgh derby against Hibernian in the Scottish Championship.

The Jambos have won nine and drawn one of their opening 10 matches to top Scotland's second tier in their bid to make it back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

Injury ruled Alexander out of his side's 2-1 win over Hibs at Tynecastle in August but has played an integral part for the Jambos as they have opened up a nine point gap at the top of the table.

"We're delighted with where we are and we believe in what we've got in the dressing-room," said Alexander.

"Being top of the league. obviously folk want to beat us regardless if it's Hibs or anyone else.

"We are that scalp that everyone wants to take because we are playing well.

"So there is pressure on us, but, with Hibs being the home team in a derby, it's probably even.

"We've brought that on ourselves with how well we've done. There's been pressure in every game this season and we've come through with flying colours.

"We have nothing to fear and Sunday can't come quick enough.

"The manager has made some really good signings, adding to the youth we had last season. We have a fantastic blend of experience and youth.

"I'm not surprised by our start. We are matching our expectations."

Their city rivals Hibs have made a stuttering start to life in the Championship following their surprise relegation and sit 14 points below their fierce rivals.

However, the Easter Road side have recovered to record five wins in a row, including an impressive 3-1 win against Rangers at Ibrox.

And Hibs midfielder Paul Heffernan insists his side are the match of anyone in the league.

"You can't take anything away from Hearts, they are in great form and have dropped just two points and, by all accounts, they've beaten opposition teams quite comfortably most weeks," Heffernan said.

"It's going to be tough, but we are looking forward to it. We think we are as good as anyone in the division and we proved that when we went to Ibrox and won. So it's a game we are looking forward to. There will be a great atmosphere, the lads are buzzing. These are the games you want to play in, big matches, big derby days.

"The fans will be right up for it, as we will be, so we are hoping we can put on a good performance and get the three points."

Elsewhere on Sunday, Celtic, fresh from a morale boosting win over Astra in the Europa League, take on Kilmarnock at Parkhead in their Scottish Premiership clash .

The Hoops, who sit in fifth place in the Scottish Premiership, have had a stuttering start to the defence of their title. However, the Glasgow giants have shown improved form in their back-to-back wins over Ross County and Romanian side Astra.

Summer signing Stefan Scepovic scored his first goal in the Europa League win and teammate Stefan Johansen, who grabbed the other in the 2-1, hopes it is the first of many.

"He hasn't played a lot and hasn't been in the starting 11," the Norwegian said. "But he works very hard every day at training and is a quality player, so it is well deserved that he got his goal.

"He's a threatening player up there, he's good in the air and strong, so I am happy for him and I think everybody else is the same."

Celtic could leapfrog Kilmarnock, who sit three points above Ronny Deila's side in fourth spot, with a win at Parkhead.

Fixtures (1500 unless otherwise stated)