Arnaud Djoum is still buzzing with his cup goal against Hibs last Sunday as he prepares to face Partick Thistle later today. The midfielder gave the home side the lead in a thrilling Scottish Cup fifth-round tie at Tynecastle with a 25-yard thunderbolt although their Edinburgh neighbours fought back from two down to force a 2-2 draw, with the replay on Tuesday 16 February. Djoum admits he is still walking on air as he prepares for the visit of the Jags. Speaking to Press Association Sport the Belgian said: "Even now when I think about it, I get that feeling. It was so amazing, the highest feeling I ever had. It would have been better had we won but I have a second chance to score again and I will do everything to get this feeling again."
First of all, however, third-placed Hearts will try to follow up the 3-0 win at Ross County on Wednesday night against a team they have already beaten 3-0 and 4-0 this season. Djoum, however, believes any drop in standards could prove costly. He said: "You have to stay focused because in the two other games against them we were really concentrated and played good football. If we do that we will be okay but if you think it will be easy it is a big mistake. You just have to continue to work hard, play with concentration and focus and we will be okay."
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson will have a bolstered squad for the visit of Partick, as defenders Blazej Augustyn and Igor Rossi, plus midfielder Prince Buaben, all return from suspension, with Neilson hoping the latter recovers from a hamstring injury. Captain Alim Ozturk returns from a knee injury picked up in the draw with Hibs.
Partick manager Alan Archibald has challenged his Partick players to improve their poor record against Hearts this season. Reversing their fortunes will not be easy as Hearts are unbeaten in nine games, but Archibald wants to see more from his side at Tynecastle. He said: "We need to do a lot better than we have done on previous occasions, we have put in two of our poorest performances against Hearts. Albeit Hearts are strong and are a good squad, we haven't hit the levels we expect. I watched Hearts on Wednesday night and they were very strong in all departments and that was with suspensions and injuries. They are a well-oiled machine and Robbie has got them playing very well but we need to get more from our lads against them."
Right-back Mustapha Dumbuya is very doubtful due to an ankle problem that has ruled him out of the last two game although new signings Antonio German and Aidan Nesbitt could make their debuts.