Hearts and Hibs' stance given major backing after Rangers-Celtic decision

Both sides of the capital have reserved the Roseburn Stand at Tynecastle and the South Stand at Easter Road for away supporters despite trimming capacity for fans of other clubs – including the Old Firm.

A disconnect between Celtic and Rangers led to away supporters being banned from derbies in Glasgow, and even the subsequent agreement for a four per cent away allocation hardly does the fixture justice.

That leaves Hibs and Hearts admired for their mutual understanding. Even if some seats are damaged by away supporters at Easter Road or Tynecastle, the clubs have an agreement not to punish the other by reducing ticket allocations. The result is an atmosphere which is difficult to better anywhere in Scottish football.

“I credit both clubs for that,” said McInnes ahead of his first derby as a manager in Leith tomorrow. “We’ve seen in Glasgow with that tit-for-tat thing, but the fans make these types of games and that’s what you want, so it’s brilliant that both clubs recognise that. Obviously

Hibs are the same when they come to Tynecastle. It’ll really add to it. That’s what you want. You don’t need to dig too deep to get up for this one.

“As a supporter and as an employee of your club, we all know the importance of what it means to have support. It’s the same three points as every other three points, but we’re well aware of the goodwill and what you get for that, and the kind of kickback you can get from winning a derby game. That’s the same worldwide.”

From the moment he set foot inside Tynecastle to take charge of Hearts, the derby’s importance was reinforced by people inside and outside the club. “Aye, there’s people who’ve been here a long time. It’s the way it should be,” said McInnes. “And the new lads that come in are told. Every day there’s fans in the street, and when you’re meeting them at events, it’s like: ‘Just beat Hibs.’ It’ll be the same at the other end. It’s just the way it is. We’ve got to appreciate that. We’ve got to sense that. That’s what it means to the supporters.”

Hearts won McInnes’ first derby at Tynecastle in October thanks to Craig Halkett’s 90th-minute winner. Hibs head coach David Gray is yet to experience derby defeat as a manager at Easter Road.