Ross County '˜not expecting derby hangover' from Hearts

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre does not expect Hearts to be suffering from derby-day drain when they visit Dingwall on Wednesday night.

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre roars encouragement during his side's win over Linlithgow Rose. Picture: SNS

The Jambos lost a two-goal lead against Edinburgh rivals Hibernian to draw 2-2 in their pulsating William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round tie at Tynecastle on Sunday.

Paul Hanlon’s injury-time equaliser means the clubs will have to do it all again in a replay next week for the right to host holders Inverness in the quarter-finals.

Hearts' Sam Nicholson looks dejected at full time in Sunday's Edinburgh derby. Picture: SNS

Asked if there could be a Hearts hangover when they travel north for Ladbrokes Premiership duty, McIntyre said: “No, I think Hearts have shown this season that they are able to cope with big matches that come thick and fast and we fully expect them to be coming here in confident spirits.

“They have been on a good run of form but so have we, so it is up to us to try to take the game to them and try to get our first victory over them this season.

“It is great to have them back in the league, they are a fantastically supported club and that is the type of team you want to test yourself against.”

County had some cup trouble of their own before they overcame Junior side Linlithgow Rose 4-2 to set up a home cup quarter-final meeting with Premiership bottom side Dundee United.

Hearts' Sam Nicholson looks dejected at full time in Sunday's Edinburgh derby. Picture: SNS

McIntyre insists his side, who will play Hibernian in next month’s League Cup final at Hampden Park, are thriving on the high-pressure games.

He said: “These games are never easy. We just need to look at the other ties over the weekend, it was their (Linlithgow’s) cup final but we managed to score four goals and won the game.

“You are always disappointed when you don’t play to the levels you expect but having said that the boys have got the job done and that is the most important thing.

“Games are all about winning and it is important you remember that.

“When you are winning matches and playing in high-profile games and getting good results then you look forward to every game.

“We are coming into a period of games now that is really crucial and there are plenty of them as well so we need to make sure we get the balance of rest and recovery right between games.”

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