Braveheart Driver enjoys the freedom

Last updated : 21 March 2010 By TwoTonTed
Andy Driver was given the freedom to attack on Saturday by returning manager Jim Jeffries and took full advantage to score the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Hibs. Hearts had several chances to add to their quickfire first-half double as Gary Glen nodded home three minutes after Driver had volleyed a 24th-minute opener. Glen over-ran the ball as he rounded Hibs 'keeper Graham Stack, Driver saw a shot cleared off the line by Lewis Stevenson after a great piece of skill, and Suso Santana blazed over from inside the six-yard box with the Hibs goalkeeper stranded. Hibs were not able to exert sufficient pressure after Derek Riordan's 79th-minute lifeline to stop their hosts reopening a six-point gap on St Johnstone in the race for a top-six spot in the SPL. Securing the top-half finish would fulfil the goal set for Jefferies when he was appointed in January but Driver feels the manager has already brought so much more to Tynecastle.

Driver said: "Going forward there were so many positives. David Obua was excellent up there, he won everything in the air and ran in the channels, Gary Glen as well. A lot has to do with the new management, things are a little more positive. Training is short and sharp, it's all about movement and keeping on your toes. It is starting to show, especially at home, we have a lot more freedom. There were more options, everybody wanted the ball, everyone was moving. It was enjoyable and if you enjoy football, you play better."

Driver feels the Hearts fans will enjoy Jefferies' second spell in charge after the functional football under previous manager, Csaba Laszlo. He said: "The performance showed a massive difference in styles, we came out there and took the game to them. You heard the atmosphere, the fans reacted in a positive way. As a fan, that's what you want to see - positive football. It's all very well getting results, everyone wants that, but if you can get results and play good football, that's what you come to watch football for."