Livingston striker Scott Robinson expects to be ‘reminded’ of his Hearts past by the Hibs support – including half of his own family.
The 26-year-old made his debut for Hearts 10 years ago and spent seven years in the first-team at Tynecastle, playing 115 times for the Gorgie men.
It is a football upbringing that will make him the sworn enemy when Hibs make the short journey west to take on Robinson and his Livi team-mates at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
And the former Kilmarnock player, who admits he is back in the top-flight sooner than expected after dropping down to League One with East Fife two years ago, anticipates there could be some familiar faces joining in the jeering.
He said: “I think I had a good record for Hearts against Hibs. I don’t remember losing many.
“But I’m with a different club now and Hibs are massive favourites. We’ll do our best and we’ve got a good team that knows what we’re good at.
“I’m sure I’ll get reminded of my past with Hearts! I’m not expecting too good a reception anyway, but that’s all part of the game.
“But most of my family are Hibs fans and a lot of them will be at the game. I’m sure they will give me a bit of stick as well.
“I’ve got cousins, uncles, my grandad who passed away, they are all massive Hibees.
“They see me as having played for the dark side and they’ll not be too happy if I score.
“I’m sure they want me to do well at the same time, but they’ll want Hibs to win at the end of the day.”
Livingston shrugged off a turbulent build-up, with player-boss Kenny Miller departing to be replaced by Gary Holt, to pick up their first win back in the top-flight against St Mirren last weekend.
Robinson believes it could prove a crucial victory and insists the visit of Hibs will allow the Lions to play without the burden of any expectation.
He added: “We’re coming off the back of a big win last weekend and the boys are confident going into the game. We know it’s going to be tough, but you could say the pressure is on Hibs.
“There’s not going to be a lot of pressure on us this season when we play the likes of Hibs, Hearts, Celtic and all that, so we’ve just got to go out and try to enjoy it and make it uncomfortable for teams to come here.
“You always just want to get that first win as soon as possible, and to get it away from home was even bigger for us, and against a team who on paper are going to be one of our rivals.
“Games like this weekend are bonuses. If we can get a point or three points then brilliant.”
