Win lifts Hearts for derby, says manager Gary Locke

Hearts manager Gary Locke hopes an impressive 3-0 win over St Mirren will be the springboard to Edinburgh derby success next weekend.

The result lifts the Tynecastle side above Hibernian for the first time since late August, with their city rivals playing Kilmarnock on Sunday.

"Hibs are the team that we want to catch and we'll certainly go into the derby full of confidence," said Locke.

"It's a game that everybody will be looking forward to now."

This season's three previous Scottish Premier League derbies have been draws, while Hibs enjoyed a 1-0 success in the Scottish Cup.

But Locke will be confident of redressing the balance after a performance full of vim and vigour from his youthful team.

Jamie Walker opened the scoring when he ran unchallenged before smashing the ball off the underside of the bar and into the net.

Kevin McHattie then rifled a low free-kick into the bottom corner from long range.

And a Jamie Hamill penalty wrapped up the victory after Kenny McLean was shown a red card for his barge on McHattie.

"I was delighted with the start we made, we came out of the traps and were on the front foot," added Locke.

"Collectively, it was a great performance. I don't think there was a failure on the pitch and those are the standards we need to reach every week.

"We had 11 Under-21s out there, if you count the subs.

"They are great lads to work with.

"And they are very humble, which is important, and says a lot about the guys who have brought them through.

"Jordan McGhee made his debut at 16 and Dave Smith got an opportunity to show what he can do after his loan spell at Raith Rovers.

"We knew there was going to be a big crowd. We had to be up for it and give the fans something to shout about."