ROBBIE NEILSON has ordered his players not to let flag day fall flat following a poignant visit from Hearts icon Freddie Glidden.
There will be a party atmosphere at Tynecastle on Sunday as the Tynecastle side toast their return to the top flight against St Johnstone.
Glidden, 87, will be on hand to unfurl the Championship flag prior to kick-off in the televised clash, however Neilson is confident the festivities will not become a distraction.
And he knows the only way his players will be able to enjoy a special day for the club is by defeating the Perth club.
He continued: "We need to make sure we get all three points on Sunday. If we do, then we will enjoy our day. If we don't, it'll fall flat.
"It is a great occasion for the fans and for the club to receive the flag, but for the players you only enjoy your day if you win the match.
"With the guard of honours [last season], you give the opposition a motivation to have a go at you because they are forced to parade you onto the pitch.
"But flag day is something a bit different. Everyone lines up, the flag is unfurled and you get on with the game so I don't think it will be a similar issue and I think our players will be ready to just concentrate on the game."
As well as leading the celebrations in Gorgie tomorrow, Glidden was a special guest at the club's Riccarton training base yesterday to present the league flag to Neilson and young striker Gary Oliver.
Even as he plans for the future, Neilson admits it was an honour to get a visit from a legend of the past. Former Hearts skipper Glidden made 229 appearances in 11 years, winning the Scottish Cup, the League Cup and a top flight title.
Neilson said: "It was great to see Freddie and he is someone who is about the club quite a bit and is always welcome.
"He is a hero to the club and was the captain of the side which won the league in 1958. It is wonderful that we have that sort of history and it was really nice to have him here."
Meanwhile, teenage forward Gary Oliver insists he is not fazed by the prospect of starting tomorrow.
Oliver, 20, has been a standout during pre-season for the Hearts, netting goals against Raith Rovers and Shelbourne and turning in a series of lively displays to put himself firmly in Neilson's thoughts for the Premiership opener.
He was chosen to lead the line alongside Osman Sow for the League Cup clash with Arbroath and has the utmost confidence in his own abilities to shine against the Perth men if selected.
Oliver said: "It is always important to get your first competitive start of the season. Hopefully I can carry that on and do well. I want to make as many appearances as I can and score a few goals for the first-team.
"I did well in pre-season and I think I have deserved a chance. Thankfully, the gaffer agreed. I knew I would do well in pre-season and I just need to keep taking my chances.
"Nothing fazes me, I'll play any game I get called up to and look to make an impact."
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