Alexandros Kyziridis reckons there’s no chance of Hearts wilting under the pressure as the race for the Premiership crown reaches fever pitch.
The Tynecastle outfit sit six points clear at the top of the table with 14 games to play and travel to St Mirren on Tuesday night before facing back-to-back blockbusters against Edinburgh rivals Hibs at home and Rangers at Ibrox.
Kyziridis knows the stresses and strains that await as the campaign goes down to the wire, but he believes Derek McInnes’ side have already shown in maintaining a lead at the head of the table that they can handle the heat.
‘Of course, there will be pressure, but I think all the guys are good with that and we’ll continue,’ said the Greek winger. ‘As I always say, we are going game by game.
‘It doesn’t matter if we play Saturday or Sunday or if we play the same day as Rangers or Celtic. Our target is to win every week. That’s all.’
Kyziridis is also heartened by the fact the squad has been strengthened over the window — and welcomes new challenges in the wide areas from the likes of Rogers Mato and Islam Chesnokov.
Alexandros Kyziridis celebrates with fellow goal hero Pierre Landry Kabore at Tannadice
Greek winger Kyziridis was spot-on in converting a first-half penalty to double Hearts’ lead
Asked if greater competition is driving performances such as the 3-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday night, he replied: ‘Yes, and that’s good, no?
‘When you have such good players, you need to push yourself to play every week. I think, in our team, everyone deserves to play. Sometimes, I feel sorry for the gaffer because he needs to decide.
‘It is hard for him every week to see who’s going to play and who’s not.’
Kyziridis also reserved real praise for striker Pierre Landry Kabore after his two-goal show at the weekend.
‘He is a guy that needs confidence and now I think he’s got a good level of confidence. He’s really good,’ he said. ‘First of all, he’s an amazing guy and, second, he’s a top player.
‘We find solutions every time and I’m really happy about him.’
