If Gers don't have an eye on Del, I'd be flabbergasted.

I went from derby elation to dugout deflation in 24 hours

- RYAN STEVENSON

HEARTS fans experienced the ultimate high on Saturday night with an injury-time derby winner against Hibs.

It was the loudest I've ever heard Tynecastle.

But when the euphoria died down, I just couldn't get one thought out of my head.

That every Jambo should pray for Russell Martin not to be sacked as Rangers manager 24 hours later.

Unfortunately for everyone in Gorgie, the inevitable happened after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Falkirk.

And as soon as Derek McInnes' name was mentioned as a possible Ibrox contender, Hearts fans must have felt like they'd been brought crashing back down to earth again.

I was doing BBC commentary at the derby and I was as high as a kite afterwards.

When Craig Halkett scored late on, I lost it.

The headphones were off and I almost ended up in the middle of the Wheatfield Stand.

But genuinely, I was hoping that Martin kept his job a bit longer.

That's because, let's be honest, if Rangers have anything about them the first thing they'll do is chap Hearts' door.

If they're acting like the big, powerful institution of a club that they are, they should be saying to Hearts, 'Name your price, we're taking your manager'.

Hearts fans won't want to hear it but that's the reality.

I'm desperate for Derek to do well in his career because I've been banging the drum about him for years.

But as a Hearts supporter, firstly I'd love Rangers not to make an approach.

And if they did, it would be great if he said, 'no thanks, I'm content where I am'.

But if none of that happens and he ends up at Ibrox?

I really hope Hearts have a backup plan.