Stephen Kingsley admits he’s focusing on ensuring Hearts’ preparation is right as they prepare for Saturday’s Edinburgh Derby.
The Jambos head to Leith for an early kick-off this weekend, looking to make it four wins on the spin and two from two in the Derby this season.
The defender explained he understands the hype that comes with the fixture but insists the squad are fully focused on their preparation, which will give them the best chance of leaving Easter Road with all three points.
Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, Kingsley said:
“Saturday's the biggest. But then, after Hibs, the next game then becomes the biggest. That is, the way we need to look at it going forward, if we want to achieve any sort of success this year. Obviously, it's Hibs and things are going to be made a big deal of, and rightly so, because it's such a big fixture in everyone's calendar.
“It’s the same for us. But, at the end of the day, it's the most important thing just now, in the lead up to this game, make sure we're prepared right, and try to get that win. Because, obviously, we know it's going to be a tough game.
“The form kind of goes out the window, so, it's one of those one-off games that you've got a chance to go and make the fans proud, make the club proud, and go and try and get the three points, and then move on to the next one.”
Having recently passed the five-year mark of his time in maroon, Kingsley has endured his fair share of highs and lows whilst at Tynecastle and has praised the current crop of players for their togetherness.
“I think it's just a testament to how good the boys are and how much of a team we are.
“It really has been a squad effort this season. It's not just been starting 11, we've obviously made changes. We've had to make changes sometimes, and everyone's just been so ready to play their part and do what they need to do, not just for themselves, but for the boys as well, for the club, for the fans, everything.
“It helps that you're in a good league position and you're winning games. It's definitely the best group of boys, in terms of how happy everyone is for each other, how hard they're working for each other, everyone knows what the aim is, what the target is going into each game.
“If you are playing brilliant, you need to go and make an impact and prove why you deserve that starting spot. But the boys coming off the bench are there for your teammates and ready to come on when called upon. Because we've got such a big squad, obviously the boys that might miss out, that don't deserve to be, there's not one person that isn't there expressing their support for the boys and making sure there's an arm around them whenever anyone needs it.
“I think that's massive, if you're going to achieve anything at any club, you need that changing room.”
