Player and fan Ian Black vows not to let emotion rule on Hearts farewell

Ian Black will separate his Hearts player persona from his feelings as a Jambos supporter to stay focused on winning the Scottish Cup.

Black has gained a reputation for his robust style on the pitch at Tynecastle and freely admits he can get “caught up” in the emotion of the game.

The fans’ player of the year for 2012 is keeping calm and ignoring the words from the other side of the city ahead of the history-making clash with Hibernian.

Black said: “Sometimes I can get caught up in it, being a fan rather than a player, so I need to focus on going in their as a player and then, hopefully if we win it, I can be a fan after the game.

“[The Hibs players] can talk and say what they want, we’ll prepare the way we want to prepare and the gaffer will have us ready for it.

“[Paulo Sergio] has been great, he’s kept it low key and we will be ready.”

Despite enjoying his best form in maroon since arriving from Inverness in 2009, Black will bid farewell to Hearts after the cup final.

The decision not to renew his contract still hurts the midfielder but he believes that leaving the club with their third Scottish Cup in 14 years would be the perfect leaving present.

Black said: “This has probably been my consistent season and getting to the Scottish Cup final has made it even better.

“It’s disappointing but we came to agreement for me to try something else but I need to concentrate on the game and worry about that after. After the game is done hopefully my phone will start ringing.

“It would mean everything, being a Hearts man so to go to the game and try to walk out with the trophy would be great.”

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