5

5

Oh yes he was.

A quickfire James Wilson goal was matched by a Josh Cooper effort before Shankland came on and substitute Stephen Kingsley netted a fourth in extra time. Blinding brightness greeted the teams at Gorgie for one of the most anticipated Premier Sports Cup group matches.

Two legitimate managers with real pedigree, separated by leagues but sharing big ambitions for their clubs. The conditions were extremely hot, and hearts were racing in the first few minutes. Shankland, bolstered by his new deal, is at the centre of everything.

The frontman’s brilliant right foot curling drive from outside the box beat a diving Mehmet but bounced off the inside of the far post.

Wilson, on the other hand, was quick to react and finished clinically with a right foot shot into the ground from six yards out.

The Pars already appeared to be melting in an 80-degree temperature. Ex-Hibs manager Lennon received pure dog’s abuse from Hearts fans 10 feet behind him at the front of the main stand, baited for fun throughout the game.

In front of over 13,000 spectators, Hearts were brilliant in the first half hour, with short, fast passing and great movement, as well as a definite threat from Wilson and Shankland.

It was a gruelling stretch for the Championship team, with relentless chasing in the scorching heat.

Hearts’ first danger came in the 36th minute from a free kick in a favourable position, but Cooper’s ball into the box was not picked up. Seconds later, Hearts broke up the pitch and sent the ball across the goal, but no one took the shot.

Lennon responded to the boo-boys and wind-up merchants with a few taunting gestures. But that was nothing compared to his ecstatic and smug reaction when his team miraculously equalised in the 38th minute.

Cooper did an excellent job of gaining control and darting across the edge of the box before unleashing a low right-foot shot that beat a scrambling Zander Clark at the near post.

Lennon turns on his heels with a huge grin, cupping his ears to the stunned Hearts faithful. It was top-notch whataboutery, and fair play to Lennon.

Even some Jambos fans were giggling. However, there was no reason for McInnes to smile. Instead, he was disgusted that his side had lost control.