Dwight Gayle maintains that he was inspired to be the Edinburgh Derby hero by the Hearts support.

After David Gray’s team had been waiting five years to reclaim the bragging rights across the capital from enemy territory, the veteran striker came off the bench to score the game-winning goal and ignite a Hibs celebration in Gorgie. As he warmed up before entering the second half, Gayle disclosed that he was taking advantage of the animosity coming from the Tynecastle support’s home sections.

And the Englishman had the final laugh when he sent Hearts back into the bottom two in the 76th minute by skilfully deflecting Nicky Cadden’s cross into the net directly in front of the roaring crowd in the Gorgie Stand.At full time, there was a huge Boxing Day celebration in the away end after Gayle’s goal—his third for the Hibees—was scored. The 35-year-old former Crystal Palace and Newcastle United star added: “I love the hostile environment when we are warming up.”

I like that; it gives me the advantage, but the boys were attempting to avoid the Hibs fans by staying by their sides. It also has far greater significance for the game. That is the reason we play football. The objective was greater relief; as a team, we began to feel a little under pressure. With our two strikers, we always looked dangerous, but Hearts started to gain the upper hand and dominate possession.

“I had more room after Boyley made a pretty nice run peeling to the back. Then, yes, scoring it was a great feeling. It was really silent where I was partying. Behind us, you could hear the Hibs supporters yelling.

“However, I recall closing my eyes and attempting to process everything at one point in order to experience the limbs at the conclusion of the game and to celebrate with the crowd. You must seize these chances when they present themselves because they don’t come around very often.

When Gayle played in the Premier League south of the line, he scored goals at Anfield, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, and in wild West Midlands derbies. However, he acknowledges that only a small portion of his 152 career objectives will be able to equal the level of class he displayed at Tynecastle. The striker made a suggestion just last week that he will hang up his boots in the summer since his body was failing.

After playing a crucial part in helping HIbs recover a season that appeared to be in ruins, those thoughts may now be put aside. There won’t be many better, he said, given what the goal means to the supporters. It’s a huge derby, and winning will undoubtedly rank among my favourite moments in my memory.

“We love these moments, but you just need to keep moving forward as a team and appreciate them for what they are. Before the season ends, I hope we get a few more moments like that. You quickly understand how popular this game is in the city and among the supporters as soon as you enter the club.