Daryl Horgan relishing working with Paul Heckingbottom at Hibernian

However, their partnership has been worth the wait, with the 26-year-old turning in a string of impressive showings since the Englishman's arrival, culminating in his match-winning brace in Hibs' 2-1 triumph over Hearts on Saturday.

Horgan said: "I was on trial at Barnsley when he [Heckingbottom] was the youth-team coach. Our paths have actually crossed a couple of times.

"I was aware that he was interested in me at Barnsley – but we've not spoken about that since! It just didn't work out and I ended up going to Preston.

"So, it's funny how things end up happening and we're both here now at the same time. It's good that he knew about me but I still need to go out there and do the business.

"It's not just me, he's been really good for everyone here."

Horgan's heroics cancelled out Peter Haring's first-half opener to secure a maiden win at Tynecastle for Hibs since 2013.

They have now taken 20 points out of a possible 24 in the Premiership since Heckingbottom took up the reins.

However, Horgan is keen to guard against complacency.

He continued: "The run we've been on since he came in has been unbelievable. We're unbeaten in eight [league matches] and we're playing some good stuff.

"There are a lot of good signs, but it doesn't really mean anything if we throw it away in the last five games."

Meanwhile, Hearts defender John Souttar reckons the Jambos were denied a clear penalty when the score was delicately balanced at 1-1.

The Scotland defender appeared to be clipped inside the box by Stephane Omeonga on the stroke of half-time but referee Willie Collum waved away the appeals.

Souttar said: "If we get that [penalty] it completely changes the game in our favour.

"When we both reflect later, there will be things I could have done better in my game. But I'm sure he [Collum] will be thinking the same.

"I thought it was a stonewaller."

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