Sean O'Hanlon, the Hibernian defender, drew on personal experience when he claimed the Hearts squad will be unified by the ongoing financial problems at the Tynecastle club.

Hearts' players go into today's Edinburgh derby at Easter Road still awaiting wages for last month, after November's salaries were paid late.

O'Hanlon, who today celebrates his 29th birthday, joined Hibs in the summer from MK Dons and has a similar tale to tell from his time as a Swindon defender, and team captain.

"At one stage we were getting paid probably once every six or seven weeks," he said. "I'm not sure what they did, but they were obviously saving money that way.

"I vaguely remember it was the back end of the season and it eventually got sorted.

"Everyone was under contract so at the back of your mind you do think that you will get it eventually, you just have to save a little more.

"I was 21 so I didn't have many outgoings but a lot of the older lads had kids and mortgages and stuff, so it must have been hard for them.

"The management team weren't getting paid either so it seemed to bring everyone closer together.

"So, I have been through it myself and there is nothing you can do apart from just get your head down and keep working.

"With it being a derby game they are going to be up for it, even if they are not being paid."

Born in Liverpool and being an Everton fan, the club at which he started his career, O'Hanlon is well aware of what a derby means to a city.

He said: "I come from Liverpool and sometimes it doesn't matter where you finish in the league, it's about beating your arch rivals, sometimes that means more.

"I know how big it is for the city and it will be a big one [today]. Our plan is three points and we will do anything to get them."

Hibs won their first point under manager Pat Fenlon against Inverness in midweek but are only a single point above bottom side Dunfermline, who have a game in hand.

O'Hanlon is hoping the restless Easter Road fans get right behind the team.

He said: "I wouldn't say there is a pressure at home but it is hard when the game goes on and the fans start booing. That doesn't help. You can understand where they are coming from – Hibs are a big club and they probably should be pushing for the top four, not scraping at the bottom – but if they could get behind us that little bit more it could help.

"Hopefully we have turned the corner with the draw against Inverness.

"We finished strongly which was encouraging, so I am looking forward to the game against Hearts."