Hearts' Blair Spittal described scoring Sunday's crucial Edinburgh derby winner as by far the best feeling of his career.

The 30-year-old midfielder came off the bench to net a priceless goal to secure three vital points for the Scottish Premiership leaders at nine-man Hibernian.

The strike marked a first goal of the season for Spittal, opening up a three-point lead at the top of the table.

"It's an unbelievable feeling," he Spittal. "Obviously, with the timing of the season and whatnot, it just felt nice to get a win at Easter Road.

"I just noticed that there was a wee bit of space at the edge of the box and I'd just hold it and wait for the pass.

"The weight of the pass made me think I needed to hit it first time. Obviously, it took a tiny deflection, but seeing it hit the back of the net is hands down the best feeling I've had in my career. It was amazing.

"It could [be a massive moment], time will tell. We've got four massive games coming up now, so you don't really know what that could do for us, but it's put us in a great position now to kick it on."