Uche Ikpeazu admits he’s felt bad for Craig Levein over the past few weeks but hopes the come-from-behind Edinburgh derby win at the weekend is the catalyst for improved results.
The big striker provided the turning point as Hearts scored twice in the final 20 minutes to claim their first league win of the season at Easter Road .
Ikpeazu fired home from close range before Aaron Hickey’s deflected strike with seven minutes to go looped in for the winner.
It by no means wipes out the ill-feeling after a poor start to the season, but goes some way to buying at least some good will from the supporters, and Ikpeazu was keen to stress that the players must take their share of the blame up until now.
“I will be absolutely transparent,” he said. “We haven’t as a team done well enough for the team. Collectively as a team and as individuals.
“The gaffer can send out a team and then it’s up to us and if we keep on making mistakes then it’s not the manager’s fault. In the games we’ve played we’ve made mistakes and we have been over that.
“We spoke about cutting out the mistakes and if we didn’t make those mistakes then we’d be further up the league.”
“I like the gaffer and I’m being absolutely transparent, we as a team haven’t done well enough as we he deserves better as he’s a good guy.
“We just wanted the win but to win against Hibs makes it extra special.
“The most important thing is that we got the three points and hopefully we can kick-on from here.
“Of course we deserved the victory, we have lost games this season that we have’t deserved to lose.
“But we have been consistent, we have worked hard and we deserved this win and now we need to push on from this.
“We have a quality team.”
Ikpeazu now has two goals in two games after not playing regularly since the start of the season. “I haven’t really played that much football in the last month,” he admitted.
“But I believe in myself and I feel I should be playing in every game. With my fitness it’s about taking it game by game and I will prove myself.
“I’m just glad that the gaffer has given me the opportunity to get back out there and play games as I know if I’m out there then i’ll score goals.
“I’m just a part of the team and there are eleven players on the pitch and I am a part of that.
“This was a team performance and the lads did well.”
And what about those step overs in the build up to the winning goal? “Sometimes when you are feeling confident then it’s good to bring out some flair,” he smiled.
“It’s an assist but it was a great goal but Hickey and that’s the most important thing.”
And the now familiar celebration, this time in front of the Hibs bench? “How many times do I have to tell you lot – LeBron James’ The Silencer. He is my favourite basketballer. That’s what he does.”
For more Hearts content, like our Hearts Live Facebook page
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
For more stories from across the Edinburgh area like our Facebook page , or follow us on Twitter and Instagram . You can also subscribe to our Hearts newsletter: enter your email in the blue box at the top of this article
