Michael Smith has opened up on THAT pass from Toby Sibbick in the build-up to his stunning goal in Hearts' five-star showing against Aberdeen.
The veteran Jambos defender, who was bombing down the right side, latched on to an incredible 50-yard arrowed pass from his team-mate before taking the perfect touch to control the ball and curl it beyond Joe Lewis for the hosts second goal of the night. It was a memorable moment in the match that ended 5-0 to Robbie Neilson's side.
Graeme Shinnie's own goal started things off with Lawrence Shankland, Josh Ginnelly and Cammy Devlin joining Smith on the scoresheet in front of a packed out Tynecastle under the lights. The result leaves Jim Goodwin's men NINE points behind Hearts with nearest challengers Livingston seven back in the race to finish third behind Celtic and Rangers and secure European football.
READ MORE: Hearts 5 Aberdeen 0 three things we learned as Jambos hammer dreadful Dons in third-place battle
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Reflecting on that moment of brilliance, Smith told Hearts' official website: “Toby has that in the locker. It is just stuff the gaffer wants us to do. Make those runs in behind and stretch the game and thankfully it worked tonight, and I got a goal from it.
“We spoke before the game about it being a great chance for us to try cement third place against Aberdeen, who were close enough to us in the table.
“In the first half, I thought we were really clinical without playing unbelievably well. But sometimes it goes like that and you’re 4-0 up and cruising at half-time and that second half can be tough, but we managed to get another goal and a clean sheet which is very pleasing.”
The big games come thick and fast for Hearts with a huge Scottish Cup game against city rivals Hibs this weekend. The Jambos travel to Easter Road having defeated Lee Johnson's men just shy of three weeks ago at Tynecastle in the New Year derby.
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