Come midday on Sunday at Easter Road there will be a few within the Heart of Midlothian line-up who will be experiencing the Edinburgh derby for the first time.

It is therefore important that they don't see it as 'just another game'. It's bigger and more important. At the end of the day there are only three points on the line but beyond that there are the intangibles. The feeling, how it impacts the support, momentum and more.

Malachi Boateng will likely be one of those in the starting XI who will be taking part in his first capital city derby since moving from Dundee in the summer. It is the biggest derby he will have played in and perhaps the most intense atmosphere.

“The derby will be a frantic game, everyone knows what it means," he said. “It will be the biggest derby I’ve been involved in, I can’t wait for it.

“In London when you’re coming through the youth every game is a derby but this is different. It will be the biggest atmosphere I’ve played in.  



“We know what to expect from it, it’s the first one of the season and both teams aren’t where we want to be. It’s going to be a fierce game, both teams will be up for it and I don’t think the form matters all that much. It will be all-out for both teams. Everyone wants to do their best and it will be down to what happens on Sunday.

“It’s clear to us all how important it is. Even me coming from London, I know the importance of it and what it means to the fans and the club. I just can’t wait for it now.”

Unfortunately for Boateng, his family won't be up for the game due to work commitments while his brother Hiram was due to play for Mansfield Town against Birmingham City.

It is a shame on his part because the 22-year-old has been one of the team's most impressive performers this season and has played a key role in the first two wins of Neil Critchley's tenure. It is hard to see him not starting in the middle of the pitch alongside Beni Baningime. He mixes athleticism, battling and ball-winning qualities with composure and intelligence on the ball.

Impressively, Boateng has met each new stage in his career. Whether it was joining Queen's Park to experience competitive first-team football and then making the step up to the Premiership with Dundee before the Tynecastle Park switch and the demands that come with that. As well as European football.

“The last three seasons have all been about progression," he confirmed. “I came to Scotland just focusing on playing first-team games. Coming out of an academy you want to get mens football and that’s what it was all about for me. Where I was playing and who I was playing for didn’t really matter, it was about getting those experiences.

“I’m happy with my game and how things are going. I just focus on what I can do for the team and I feel it has been constantly going upwards. That’s what I wanted and that’s what I work towards on the training ground. I just want to better myself all the time, just focus on the team - that’s what you have to do as a young footballer.

“Going to Queens Park then Dundee and then here, it’s the pace of the game that you have to cope with. I think I’m suited to the game here, I am quite athletic and can play as well. I like to play and dominate games.

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“The Championship is a good level but it gets faster as you step up and then this season, obviously, we’re in Europe and that’s a step up again. You want to test yourself against the best teams you can and I feel I am keeping up with the pace of things.

“Playing in Europe is something everyone always wants to do. I didn’t think it would come for me this soon but I am glad it has, I am really enjoying the experience. It was a tough game on Thursday but it was a good win.”

It was another indication, an early one, that Hearts are in good hands with the appointment of Critchley earlier this month.

“The new manager has made an impact straight away, we’re in a good vein of form," Boateng said. “It has mostly been keeping together as a group and staying with each other collectively.

"On the training ground we have been right together, that’s what’s helped us get the wins. It has all been very positive.

“Everyone gets a lift when a new manager comes in, everyone is desperate to prove they should be starting and helping the team. That’s it basically.

“The manager hasn’t been in very long but everyone has jumped onto what he’s trying to do and it’s showing on the pitch. He’s very calm, everyone understands what he wants us to do and it’s very clear on the pitch. It’s all about the collective so we’re happy with how it’s going so far."