On-loan striker Jamie MacLaren was delighted to send the Hibs’ fans happy on Friday night.
With the score 1-0 to Hibs, MacLaren, whose grandfather is a dedicated Hearts fan, produced a moment of skill which will live long in the memories of the supporters.
Surrounded by defenders, the Australian twisted and turned before firing the ball into the bottom corner of the net, sparking wild scenes at a packed Easter Road.
Earlier his powerful shot was tipped onto the bar by the Hearts’ keeper otherwise the scoreline could have been much greater.
After the game MacLaren who is hoping his form can win a place in the Socceroos World Cup squad said: “It’s hard to put into words. I thought in the first half we wee a bit patient but in the second half we came out as we did against Aberdeen. We were clinical and if my shot had went in it could have been more.
“Scotty (Allan) had a great finish then I thought I was a but unlucky as the keeper made a great save. With my finish I knew where to put it and it was great to celebrate in front of the Hibs fans. Its some feeling when the ball hits the back of the net and you hear 20,000 fans up and roaring and the boys jumping on top of me and screaming.
“It was a great moment and I’m sure the fans in green will have gone home happy.
“The boys at the back were in top form and to get a clean sheet, you can’t ask for anything more.
“I’ve got to stay patient an confident but I know I will always score goals. If I’m playing form the start I will always create chances.
“I felt like we worked hard as a team together. We are on a roll at the moment and looking forward to the next game. It breads confidence and that what has happened. we know what we have to do to get into the top three and we are so close we can smell it.
“Sunshine on Leith at the end was amazing and it was extra sweet to send the fans home happy. They deserve it because they get behind us.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
