Hearts Midfielder Reflects on Edinburgh Derby Defeat and Top-Six Ambitions
Jorge Grant cut a dejected figure despite scoring a stunning goal in Sunday’s Edinburgh derby. Typically, a powerful strike into the top corner against your fiercest rivals would bring jubilation, but Hearts’ 2-1 loss at Easter Road overshadowed his moment of brilliance. He departed the pitch visibly disheartened.
Martin Boyle’s early goal for Hibs was swiftly cancelled out by Grant’s thunderous finish past Jordan Smith. However, Jack Iredale’s dipping second-half volley secured victory for the hosts, leaving Hearts with just one derby win in their last eight encounters.
Grant’s Verdict on the Derby Loss
Reflecting on the defeat, Grant admitted Hearts fell short in the second half.
“It’s disappointing. I thought we did okay in the first half, but after the break, we weren’t at the level we needed to be,” he said. “They made some changes, and we struggled to cope. We had a lot of possession in the first half without really threatening much after the goal. The second half just wasn’t good enough from us.”
Despite the frustration, Grant acknowledged the joy of scoring in such a high-stakes fixture.
“Of course, it’s a great feeling to score,” he admitted. “But I’d much rather score and win—or not score and win. In the end, it’s just a disappointing day overall.”
Scottish Cup and Top-Six Push Take Priority
With little time to dwell on the loss, Hearts must now turn their focus to crucial upcoming fixtures. Dundee visit Tynecastle for a Scottish Cup quarter-final on Friday, followed by league matches that will determine whether Hearts secure a top-six finish—and potentially European football.
“We have a chance to bounce back in the Scottish Cup, and that’s where our focus needs to be,” Grant said. “We have to learn from this and move forward.”
He also admitted Hearts have lacked the necessary intensity in Edinburgh derbies this season, with a 1-1 draw in October and a 2-1 home defeat in December adding to their frustrations.
“I’m not sure what’s been missing, but on Sunday, it was obvious,” he explained. “We didn’t win enough second balls, we didn’t play our football, and we struggled to settle after halftime. We’ve been close in these games, but when it really matters, we haven’t stepped up.”
The battle for a top-six finish will be just as fierce, but Grant remains confident.
“It’s been tight all season, but we’ve been on a strong run—only two defeats in ten. We can’t let this result derail us. Now, we have a chance to reach Hampden, to prove ourselves in a big game, and to show the fans that we can be better when it matters most.”
