Hearts full-back Jamie Hamill lost out on penalty at Easter Road on Monday as team-mate Ian Black had a celebratory message lined up to display. The plan was put on hold after Black missed the chance to put Hearts ahead just before half-time when his penalty was pushed away by Hibs goalkeeper Graham Stack. However, Hearts went on to win 3-1 and the midfielder displayed his T-shirt bearing the message 'I'll paint this place maroon' - a reference to his recent part-time work as a painter and decorator to help him while the delayed wages suffered by the first team at Tynecastle continued. Hamill has scored two penalties since joining Hearts from Kilmarnock, where he converted seven spot-kicks last season, but his team have now missed their last two - Eggert Jonsson also saw his effort saved by Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster last month.Hamill said: "When we got the penalty me and Blackie both wanted to take it.But he said he had a wee mention on his T-shirt and if he scored he was going to show it off. Unfortunately he missed the penalty but luckily for us we managed to win the game so it didn't make a difference in the end. He just wanted to hit it on Sunday. Next week if we get a penalty I'll be willing to take it."Hearts eventually took the lead when Ryan McGowan bundled the ball home from close range. Hibs were back on level terms just 60 seconds later as Marius Zaliukas put through his own net from a driven cross. However, late goals from Andy Webster and Rudi Skacel sent Hearts up to fourth place and continued their hold on the Edinburgh bragging right. Hamill said: "The fans were second to none. When we scored the own goal they really pushed us on. It was a great team performance and to see Rudi come off the bench and score was great. He just keeps scoring every time he plays."
McGowan was overjoyed with his first Hearts goal. He said: "It was just unbelievable. To win at Easter Road is a special thing, but to get on the scoresheet with such a screamer is just even better. I can't think of a better way to score my first goal." McGowan has been reported to the SFA's compliance officer after he clashed with Ivan Sproule, the Hibs winger going down after the Hearts full-back made contact with him while standing up following a challenge. The versatile Australian commented: "He just made a meal of it to be honest. He fouled me."Hearts now welcome Auchinleck Talbot in the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round on Saturday, and Ayrshire-born Hamill for one will not take the junior side lightly. He said: "It's going to be a tough game. I have been to watch them a few times. I go to see Irvine Meadow against Talbot and it's usually a feisty game." Hamill hopes to be fit for Saturday's game after brushing off an ankle problem to feature at Easter Road. He went on: "I'm still struggling a wee bit but hopefully through the week I can rest it and get some ice on it and put the foot up and play at the weekend. The physios did a really good job to get me ready for the derby game."Hearts also face a challenge off the park this week with an SPL sub-committee due to meet tomorrow to discuss a complaint over wage delays, which was made on behalf of the players by PFA Scotland. First-team players are awaiting wages due on 16 December after major delays with their two previous monthly payments. Manager Paulo Sergio has warned of a hard month ahead as Hearts look to balance the books by selling players on. Jonsson has already been sold to Wolves while Ryan Stevenson has withdrawn his services in protest at the wage situation.
Source: FOOTYMAD
