Alex Lowry stepped off the bench for the second game in a row to help Heart of Midlothian win on the road. After his winning goal against Kilmarnock in the League Cup on Tuesday, he provided the assist for fellow substitute Alan Forrest to score the goal which sealed a 1-0 success against Ross County. 

The on loan Rangers playmaker spoke of his frustration at the lack of game time, what advice Steven Naismith has given him, his chats with Michael Beale and the Edinburgh derby.

Another impact off the bench?

Yeah, a goal and an assist. Should have had another goal on Saturday. As long as I can contribute to the team I am happy. Just delighted overall we got the three points today and can focus on a big game at the weekend.

Is it important you make that impact?

Yes, 100 percent. I want to be starting games so making an impact is the best way I can get myself back in the team. Thoroughly enjoyed the game and hopefully I can keep going.

Are you the sort of guy who knocks on the manager's door?

Not going in saying why I am not playing, it's more of a 'how can I get in the team?'. The manager has given me quite a few things to do and I've done it and he put me back on for longer than he did midweek so I am happy.



How important is the win psychologically ahead of the derby?

That's two games in a row we've won so momentum is building. It is down to how we play at the weekend. We need to go out and perform and do our job and hopefully get another three points.

Hoping to start against Hibs?

That's not up to me, that's up to the manager.

When you are on the bench are you analysing where you can find space?

Kind of. You can look at it and then you go on the pitch and it looks completely different. I play more off instinct rather than go and analyse them and see where their positions are. I play more on instinct and where the spaces are when I'm playing. As long as I can help the team I'll keep doing it.

READ MORE: Positive signs of Hearts progress after Naismith's away comment

What has the manager spoken to you about?

The other side of the game. Something I need to work on in training and make it a habit so that it doesn't hold me back going forward. Mainly getting back into a shape or if we lose the ball, reacting straight away so there is not a delay, just going straight to the ball and winning it back. Just small details but they make a hell of a difference in the game.

It can make you a more complete player as well?

100 per cent.

Has that been a significant change since coming in from Rangers?

It is different. I've played with Rangers through youth football and we were one of the more dominant teams so it is something I've had to work on as I've got older. I'd have rather learned it when I was younger so I don't have to do it now! It's however I can help Hearts, I'll help them. The bits near the goal and the bits in the middle of the pitch, getting the ball back, getting into shape.

Has lack of game time been frustrating?

A little bit. I am a player who wants to play. When I am playing it is quite annoying but it's the manager's choice. As long as we get a result I am happy.

What sort of contact have you had during this loan spell?

I spoke to him a few times, how I am liking it, enjoying it, how's it going. Nothing crazy.

READ MORE: Ross County 0 Hearts 1 Instant Analysis: Robust defence, system tweak

How much are you looking forward to the derby?

Yeah, looking forward to it. It's my first Edinburgh derby. The boys will focus this week in training and we will hopefully do our job at the weekend.

Being involved in the Old Firm will stand you in good stead?

The last 10-ish minutes I got in that and it was a pleasure to play in that but I am hoping to make more of an impact in the one at the weekend.

Has there been much talk with the new boys about the derby?

That will probably happen this week. We've been focusing on one game at a time and trying to pick up results in all the games we've been playing. We'll debrief that game and the focus will be on Hibs. I'm really looking forward to it. Goggsy the kitman always tells me about it.

How do you approach a derby?

Personally, I would take it as another game. If you get too excited or over the top with it, it can affect your performance. It's all about going into it with a level head and doing the job and game plan we set out to do and hopefully that can get us the result.

READ MORE: In full: Steven Naismith reacts to Hearts win over Ross County

Derby more of a battle?

I think if we implement our style in the game we can control the ball and we can play. It is up to us. We will work on stuff in training this week which hopefully will help us in the game and then we will see come Saturday what the result is.

Winning the derby will put you in a good place?

You always want to win the derby and get the bragging rights in the city. Our heads are fully on that.

Nice to go back to Tynecastle?

It has been a few away games in a row now but I'm looking forward to getting back to Tynecastle in front of the fans.

Missing the semi-final against Rangers

I was just happy to get the boys through to the semis. Annoying I can't play but we'll just see what happens with that game when it comes. I'm fully focused on Hibs.