Paisley PARK IT

Cup loss is reality check but Jambos can't afford to dwell on it

- RYAN STEVENSON

I'M sure plenty of rival fans took great delight in seeing Hearts come a cropper in the Premier Sports Cup.

They've been lining up to put the boot in and accused Jambos of getting a bit carried away by the start to the season.

I count myself as one of them and you know what, I did get carried away.

I bought into the hype. I was dreaming about winning the trophy and challenging for the league.

But why not? What's the point of being a fan if you can't get excited sometimes?

There are enough occasions when the game kicks you in the delicates so you need to enjoy it when things are going well.

The only trouble is when things don't go to plan, when you are high on expectation, it is a heck of a long way to fall.

I was absolutely gutted by the defeat at St Mirren last Saturday. Beyond disappointed.

It was always going to be a really tough last-16 tie but I just fancied Hearts to go deep in the competition... and maybe even win it. That's why going out was a real sore one.

I can bet you Derek McInnes feels exactly the same way.