MATT Macey last night predicted that Hibernian can challenge Rangers for top spot in the cinch Premiership despite failing to beat Hearts at Tynecastle and leapfrog the Ibrox club in the table.
Macey was excellent for the Easter Road club, who had been in first place in the league on goal difference after winning three and drawing one of their opening four matches, in the first Edinburgh derby of the season yesterday.
He produced several fine saves from Gary Mackay-Steven, denied substitute Josh Ginnelly and tipped a Paul Hanlon header that was destined to finish in his own net over his crossbar.
However, the former Arsenal player was frustrated the visitors failed to pick up three points in Gorgie and is determined for them to get back to winning ways against St Mirren at home on Saturday and put pressure on Steven Gerrard’s side
"It's not a bad point,” he said. “But we definitely came here to win the game. I'm not sure disappointment is the right word, but there's a sense that we could have won the game and given the fans what they wanted. It's a long season so we'll take that.
"But the gaffer's made it clear that we've set ourselves new standards now. We're not content with what happened last season. It is obviously a really competitive league this year.
“You always go into every game looking to win and we believe we can go anywhere and win now with the team that we have got. So we will definitely be looking to get that (first place) back.”
Macey had never played in an Edinburgh derby before and he felt the noise generated by the sell-out crowd brought out the very best in him.
"I had a lot of fun,” he said. “Most goalkeepers will say they enjoy a 0-0. Maybe not the fans, but I'm happy with that. It felt like an end-to-end 0-0 to me and the atmosphere helps as well."
"It's right up there with anything I've played in. In terms of actually being on the pitch - I've been on the bench for some big games - but that's the best I've played in."
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