Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has challenged his side to revel in the Tynecastle atmosphere today when the Staggies search for their first win in Gorgie against Hearts.
County are looking to finish their Premiership campaign on a high, having fallen three points adrift of fifth-placed Motherwell after last weekend’s 1-0 loss against St Johnstone.
The Dingwall men have made eight visits to Tynecastle – five since winning promotion to the top flight in 2012, which followed three cup ties during the club’s days in the lower leagues – but have yet to taste victory.
Hearts have been backed by excellent numbers this season, recording several sellout crowds and McIntyre is looking to silence the home following.
He said: “Tynecastle is always a tough place to go but it’s a good place to go and play football in front of a full house.
“With the nature of the stadium being so tight, it’s always a good atmosphere and a good place to play.
“The crowd is right on top of you and you can turn that either way, depending on whether you lose a goal or you score a goal.
“It’s up to us to try to get the result. It’s a fantastic ground and we’re all looking forward to it.”
County have not fared well against Robbie Neilson’s side this season, having lost all three encounters, and McIntyre says he is not surprised to see Hearts thrive in their first season back in the top-flight since promotion from the Championship last summer.
McIntyre, who is set to welcome back defender Richard Foster after a groin operation, added: “They are where they should be. It’s one thing wanting to be there but it’s another thing going out and doing it. They deserve great credit for being third. Robbie’s done a good job but he would have been expecting to be there.
“They’ve been strange games. The two games here, we felt we were more than good enough to get a result, but you need to take chances when they come along.
“The one thing Hearts have done very well this season is, when they’ve gone ahead, they’ve seen games out well, which is a good quality to have.
“We’ve not beaten them this year, so it would be nice to get a victory.”
