Dundee boss James McPake hailed former Hearts keeper Jack Hamilton as "top, top class" after his star turn in the Dark Blues' win over the Tynecastle side.
The 26-year-old made key stops to deny Euan Henderson and Steven Naismith in the second half as the Dens' outfit avenged their 6-2 thrashing at the hands of Robbie Neilson's men earlier in the season with a 3-1 win.
The stopper was Neilson's first choice before he departed Gorgie back in 2016, but lost his place after a series of errors - including in an Edinburgh Derby defeat to Hibs.
He joined Dundee just over a year later, but a number of mistakes saw his position between the sticks under threat.
McPake brought in former Burnley and Derby County keeper Adam Legzdins in November, but the former Hibs captain admitted he had been delighted by Hamilton's upturn in form since competition arrived courtesy of the 34-year-old.
Speaking after the game, he said: "Our goalkeeper has a couple of great saves.
"I must give him a massive mention in particular. There have been times when people have had a pop at him and he has made a mistake but name me a goalkeeper in the world who hasn’t.
"His two saves during the game are top, top class."
The Jambos slipped to their second Championship defeat of the season at Dens as headers from another former Hearts youngster, Jordan McGhee, and Danny Mullen gave the hosts a two-goal lead at the break.
Andy Irving pulled a goal back, but Jonathan Afolabi converted a late penalty to seal three points for McPake's men after Christophe Berra hauled down Lee Ashcroft in the area.
Hearts are five points clear at the top of the second tier.
