T-shirt slogan meant Jamie Hamill missed out on penalty duty

HEARTS full-back Jamie Hamill lost out on penalty duties during the Edinburgh derby because team-mate Ian Black had a celebratory message lined up.

Black missed the chance to put Hearts ahead just before half-time when his penalty was pushed away by Hibernian goalkeeper Graham Stack. However, Hearts went on to win 3-1 and the midfielder displayed a T-shirt bearing the message ‘I’ll paint this place maroon’ – a reference to his recent part-time work as a painter and decorator to help him through a series of wage delays.

Hamill has scored two penalties since his move from Kilmarnock, where he converted seven spot-kicks last season, but his team have now missed their last two. Hamill was denied by St Johnstone ’keeper Peter Enckelman and Eggert Jonsson’s effort was saved by Celtic’s Fraser Forster in successive matches last month.

Hamill told Hearts TV: “When we got the penalty, me and Blackie both wanted to take it. But he said he had a wee mention on his T-shirt and if he scored he was going to show it off. Unfortunately he missed, but we managed to win the game so it didn’t make a difference in the end. Next week if we get a penalty I’ll be willing to take it.”

Hearts eventually led when Ryan McGowan scored from close range. Hibs levelled within 60 seconds when Marius Zaliukas put through his own net, but late goals by Andy Webster and Rudi Skacel sent Hearts up to fourth place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Hamill said: “The fans were second to none. When we scored the own goal they really pushed us on. It was a great team performance and to see Rudi come off the bench and score was great. He just keeps scoring every time he plays.”

Hamill hopes to be fit for Saturday’s Scottish Cup match against Auchinleck Talbot after brushing off an ankle problem to play at Easter Road. “I’m still struggling a bit but hopefully I can rest it, get some ice on it, put the foot up and play at the weekend,” the 25-year-old said. “The physios did a really good job to get me ready for the derby.”

Hearts also face a challenge off the park, with an SPL sub-committee due to meet today to discuss a complaint over wage delays, made by PFA Scotland on behalf of the players. Manager Paulo Sergio has warned of a hard month as Hearts look to balance the books by selling players on. Jonsson has been sold to Wolves while Ryan Stevenson has withdrawn his services in protest over the wage situation.