Del hails David's Hibs turnaround

DEREK McINNES admits he once switched on his radio to hear rumours of David Gray's imminent dismissal as Hibs boss being greatly exaggerated.

- JORDON PARKS

The Hearts boss didn't elaborate on which station was jumping the gun, but he insists the remarkable reversal of fortunes for his Easter Road counterpart is a triumph over adversity which has earned his full admiration.

Gray's appointment into the Hibs hotseat last summer coincided with a dreadful run of eight defeats in 14 games and being cut adrift at the bottom of the table with the lowest point being a 4-1 loss to Dundee last November.

McInnes will shake Gray's hand on the Tynecastle touchline tomorrow evening before the first Edinburgh derby of the season - and he revealed his unequivocal respect for a man who came through a media storm and defied the critics.