Hibs' Riordan lifts lid on derby frustration

HIBS' top-scoring hitman Derek Riordan today spoke of his frustration at being sent off in the Edinburgh derby, admitting he let himself and his team-mates down.

The Easter Road striker was red-carded in the dying minutes of the 2-1 defeat to Hearts a fortnight ago following a late challenge on Rudi Skacel.

His disappointment at being ordered off by referee Dougie McDonald was compounded by the fact that he had been handed the captain's armband by new boss Colin Calderwood for the second competitive match in a row.

Riordan returned from that suspension to the side to score twice in the win over Motherwell last weekend, and was unlucky not to bag a hat-trick when he saw a spectacular late effort saved by the Motherwell keeper Darren Randolph.

Riordan insisted he had put the incident behind him and is now concentrating fully on maintaining a scoring run in the coming weeks.

Riordan, who is expected to start against Inverness at the Caledonian Stadium today, said: "I was really disappointed at the final whistle, although I was obviously in the dressing room at that time.

"It was the most I have ever been frustrated in all of the derby matches that I have played in. I don't know why, but that was the worst for some reason.

"I left the whole team down and I let myself down. I am missing games, I am out of the St Johnstone game next weekend and I have already missed the Rangers game.

"It was my own fault and I have accepted it. I have got back in the team and got a couple of goals so I have got to be happy with that."