Josh Ginnelly speaks on his Hearts contract situation and reveals the team's best moment after beating Hibs

The feelgood factor, as it is so often branded, is ubiquitous at both Tynecastle Park and the Riccarton training base which is the players’ daily home. Beating Hibs 3-0 took them into the Scottish Cup fifth round, illustrated their Edinburgh derby dominance by extending their unbeaten run in the fixture to nine games, and also took them nine unbeaten in all competitions since November. It is difficult to argue at the moment that Gorgie does, indeed, rule.

Josh Ginnelly is a prime example of Hearts’ positivity. Earlier this season the club were willing to listen to offers for the Englishman, now they are about to open contract talks to keep him. He is waiting for discussions to begin formally but won’t allow the situation to become a distraction. “There’s been nothing so far. I will just play my football. I’m not looking anywhere to be honest, I’m just focused on the next game,” he told the Evening News.

His recent conversion from winger to centre-forward was demonstrated by his lethal finish following Robert Snodgrass’ free-kick less than ten minutes into Sunday’s derby. Ginnelly didn’t hesitate to execute a pre-match plan when the chance arose, then came subsequent strikes by Lawrence Shankland and Toby Sibbick.

“For my goal, we worked on my it in midweek,” he revealed. “Snoddy’s delivery is right on the button nine times out of ten. When he is whipping the ball into those areas, I just find my position where I think the ball is going to drop. Thankfully, it did drop. It’s always a good feeling to get a goal but that was a special one. I wish it was at the other end but it was an important goal.

“Moments like that, you remember them. I probably enjoyed Toby’s goal more than anything else. I just think it showed the quality he brings to the team and I think people forget his age. He’s 23 and he’s playing like he’s played 1000 games. He’s just a rock at the back and I think all the fans should appreciate him. He is massive for us, one of our main players. The goal will keep him in good spirits.”

As will the rapturous reception from 3,800 travelling fans at full-time in Leith. It was an experience for anyone with a Hearts connection to savour following an exhilarating victory which was manager Robbie Neilson’s first ever at Easter Road. Ginnelly knew the significance of the achievement and revelled in the celebrations alongside his team-mates.

“That’s probably the best moment we’ve had as a team. The scenes after the game, the fans and stuff, it was incredible,” he said. “We were determined to enjoy it but we need to stay focused. We are back into training now and Sunday is done. There have been a few games where we haven’t been great but we’ve got the result. That’s what a big team is about. You don’t always have to play great to win a game so we were buzzing with how Sunday went. Most lads have played in derbies but when you win and the fans stay on at the end, the boys will remember that. It will kick us on another gear.”