Why Hearts need to replicate Rosenborg display in Hibs clash

That night in August saw the west of Edinburgh come alive. From the Tynecastle Arms to the Ardmillan and up to the Diggers, there was an electricity. Fans didn't spill out onto the streets. They floated. Songs were still being sung long after the full-time whistle.

That evening brought a European tie that will go down in lore and a performance to match. The type of football which brings Tynecastle Park to life and the type of football that Steven Naismith has spoken of. Front foot and aggressive.

So far it has not been replicated in the league.

READ MORE: Hearts v Hibs: Back 4 or back 3, Grant or Lowry to start?

If there is a match where that can change, one which prompts a frenetic display which engages the Tynecastle support, it is the derby. In general terms that is always the case. The derby is special. There is a standard to uphold, that of being the city's top dogs, ensuring the dominant record is maintained. Increased. But with regards to this season, it may be the first opponent Hearts face domestically who attempt to go toe-to-toe with Naismith's men, to attack them, not content with just allowing the team to have the ball.

"I think it will be an entertaining game because both teams want to attack. Hibs are definitely a different team to what they were under the previous manager," Naismith said. "They have a different style, they try to attack, they get bodies forward. We’re very similar in that that’s what we want to do. So yeah, it bodes well for a good derby."

The Hearts head coach is always very engaging. There is always an enthusiasm, confidence, level-headedness in his responses, no matter the question put to him. His excitement for the derby was evident on Friday afternoon when he sat down with the press in the bistro at the Oriam. An excitement for the different challenge his team will be posed in comparison to the one put forward by the likes of Dundee, Kilmarnock and Motherwell, even if he admitted there is not the same feeling approaching the fixture as there would be as a player.

READ MORE: Naismith Q&A: Hibs approach, Lowry talks, Shankland surprise

With Hibs' approach under Nick Montgomery an aggressive and expansive one, it would be easy enough to tweak elements of the performance. On the ball, that won't be the case for Hearts. 

“Since I have retired and gone into coaching, you can’t compromise on when we have the ball. We’re in control and we do what we want," he said. "Out of possession is different for every game because when they have the ball if you do things the same way it’s not going to work all the time. We’ll not change what we do, we just need to make sure we’re good at it.

"There are certain moments and things in games you need to watch out for, they obviously have pace going forward, that’s one of their strengths. It’s about minimising that risk of them using that but when we have got the ball our decision making can impact that as well. Because if we have the ball for good spells they’ll need to change and adapt how they try and press us or how they are going to get the ball back. I’m really excited because it should be an open game."

That should suit facets of the home side's game, namely Cammy Devlin who will likely return to the starting XI. A man who is perfect for Scottish football and even more so the derby. When the game is quick and even chaotic he thrives. As he did against Rosenborg. It may also allow the team to get into the attacking "stride" Naismith mentioned when speaking about Lawrence Shankland.

The derby has the potential to provide a refreshing change for both teams. It could even lead to players getting caught up in it, especially at the start, the realisation that they will have to play quicker and that they will be pressured higher up the pitch. Time on the ball will be limited.

READ MORE: Hibs are the perfect opponent for Shankland to break Hearts drought

For Naismith, and his Hearts team which remain a work in progress, the opportunity of the derby is two-fold.

Three points continues to change the mood music, from an ominous tone to one that is more uplifting and aspirational. Going into the international break potentially sitting in third on the back of the derby win will bring plenty of credit in the bank, and the confidence that comes with it, going into a run of fixtures which sees the team play the Old Firm in three of the next four fixtures.

In addition, there is a chance to put in a performance full of energy, in and out of possession, and that balance of control as well as quick, direct attacking play which excites and energises the Hearts crowd.

It would be the perfect recipe for a Saturday afternoon in EH11. One which would ensure Gorgie will be singing long into the night.

READ MORE: Hearts v Hibs: How to prepare for an Edinburgh derby