Hibernian defender Grant Hanley is crucial to chances against Hearts, says Kevin Thomson

Kevin Thomson pinpointed experienced Scotland defender Grant Hanley as critical to Hibernian’s prospects of halting the Hearts bandwagon in Saturday evening’s Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle.

The 33-year-old former Blackburn, Norwich and Birmingham defender has started five matches since joining as a free agent last month, and he was particularly influential in Saturday’s morale-boosting 0-0 draw away to champions Celtic.

Ex-Hibs captain Thomson believes Hanley will have a “massive” role to play if his old side are to pull off a result away to a Hearts side two points clear at the top of the William Hill Premiership and also comfortably the highest scorers in the league.

“Grant Hanley at the back, not the sexiest signing people would have said but, Scotland international, massive career,” said Thomson, speaking in Edinburgh on Monday to promote William Hill’s sponsorship of the Scottish Professional Football League and their weekly YouTube show and podcast, The Warm-Up.

“I think when you go to Tynecastle, you’re going to need people like Grant Hanley with his experience.

“His leadership qualities are there for everybody to see. He’s not one that you’re going to expect to dribble out the defence and play a killer pass, that’s just not what he does.

“But when it comes to holding a line and putting his body on the line, heading balls, first contacts, he’s terrific.”

Hibs, who enjoyed three exhilarating European ties against Midtjylland, Partizan Belgrade and Legia Warsaw at the start of the season, have failed to win any of their last five league matches and were eliminated from the Premier Sports Cup by struggling Rangers.

Thomson views Saturday’s draw at Celtic Park, however, as a sign that David Gray’s side are ready for an upturn in league form.

“Obviously you want to be in Europe, but there’s no doubt that outwith all fun when you’re in Europe, it takes its toll,” said the 40-year-old, who had three stints as a player with the Hibees.

“I think that then has a hangover naturally, domestically. It’s just the way it is.

“The narrative last week was that they never really laid a glove on Rangers, but they then go to Celtic Park and put in a resolute performance, albeit probably rode their luck.

“But it gives you something to build on and there’s no better game to get into than a high-flying Jambos team.”