Neil Alexander tips Abiola Dauda to impress in derby replay

Hearts' Abiola Dauda (right) in action against Hibs' Marvin Bartley in the Scottish Cup 5th Round tie at Tynecastle.
Picture: Greg Macvean — Hearts' Abiola Dauda (right) in action against Hibs' Marvin Bartley in the Scottish Cup 5th Round tie at Tynecastle. Picture: Greg Macvean

Hearts goalkeeper Neil Alexander reckons Abiola Dauda is ready to make his presence felt against Hibernian at the second time of asking after bagging a brace against Ross County.

The Nigerian marksman, a deadline-day signing, was handed a baptism of fire last Sunday when pitched straight into the starting XI for the Edinburgh derby and struggled to make an impact during a breathless, frantic 2-2 draw in the Scottish Cup fifth round.

However, Dauda illustrated his potential three days later, scoring a double in Dingwall to secure a 3-0 win for Hearts after coming on as a second-half substitute.

Alexander said: “The midweek goals will do Abiola’s confidence the world of good – and he is looking very good in training so I think he can help kick us on for the rest of the season.”

Hearts have also been buoyed by the return of Jamie Walker, and Alexander added: “He is getting a few more games and getting back to full fitness and is looking good, so he is like a new signing for us.”

Hearts are sweating over the fitness of Prince Buaben ahead of the derby clash, but Igor Rossi and Blazej Augustyn will return.