We'd love to be team that kickstarted a Tynecastle title collapse

Boyle out to reverse Jambos late win in last derby

- BY DARREN JOHNSTONE

MARTIN BOYLE hopes a Hibs derby win today can be the start of Hearts’ title collapse.

It's more than just bragging rights at stake in the Easter Road showdown with Hibs fans beginning to fear their bitter city rivals have a genuine chance of taking the chequered flag in the Premiership.

While a charge at the summit by a team outside Celtic and Rangers is considered long overdue by many in the Scottish game, Hibs talisman Boyle knows seeing their rivals crowned champions would be a nightmare scenario in Leith.

And the Australia star admits there is no shortage of motivation for the Hibs players heading into the televised lunchtime clash.

He said: “Going by recent seasons, it's been a hard achievement for teams outside the Old Firm [to win the league]. But there are always surprises along the way.

“They're doing really well, they've been up there all season. We don't want it to happen - but that's football. It happened with Leicester City all those years ago.

“But we've got the opportunity to beat them on Saturday so hopefully that'll be the start of the downfall.