Arnaud Djoum still on a high after derby goal for Hearts
Arnaud Djoum will go into Hearts' Ladbrokes Premiership meeting with Partick Thistle on Saturday still buzzing with his cup goal against Hibernian last Sunday.
The 26-year-old midfielder gave the Jambos the lead in a thrilling William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round tie at Tynecastle with a 25-yard thunderbolt although their Edinburgh neighbours fought back from two down to force a 2-2 draw, with the replay next Tuesday.
Djoum admits he is still walking on air as he prepares for the visit of the Jags.
"Even now when I think about it, I get that feeling," the Belgian told Press Association Sport.
"It was so amazing, the highest feeling I ever had.
"It would have been better had we won but I have a second chance to score again and I will do everything to get this feeling again."
First of all, however, the third-placed Jambos will try to follow up the 3-0 win at Ross County on Wednesday night against a team they have already beaten 3-0 and 4-0 this season.
Djoum, however, believes any drop in standards could prove costly.
He said: "You have to stay focused because in the two other games against them we were really concentrated and played good football.
"If we do that we will be okay but if you think it will be easy it is a big mistake.
"You just have to continue to work hard, play with concentration and focus and we will be okay."
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson will have a bolstered squad for the visit of Partick, as defenders Blazej Augustyn and Igor Rossi, plus midfielder Prince Buaben, all return from suspension, with Neilson hoping the latter recovers from a hamstring injury.
Skipper Alim Ozturk returns from a knee injury picked up in the draw with Hibernian.
Alan Archibald has challenged his Partick players to improve their poor record against Hearts this season.
Reversing their fortunes will not be easy as Hearts are unbeaten in nine games, but Archibald wants to see more from his side at Tynecastle on Saturday.
"We need to do a lot better than we have done on previous occasions, we have put in two of our poorest performances against Hearts," he said.
"Albeit Hearts are strong and are a good squad, we haven't hit the levels we expect.
"I watched Hearts on Wednesday night and they were very strong in all departments and that was with suspensions and injuries. They are a well-oiled machine and Robbie has got them playing very well but we need to get more from our lads against them."
Right-back Mustapha Dumbuya is very doubtful due to an ankle problem that has ruled him out of the last two matches although new signings Antonio German and Aidan Nesbitt are looking to make their debuts.
Source: PAR
