Mixu Paatelainen is hoping to use his vast experience of Edinburgh derbies to coax Hibernian to victory in the latest capital encounter.The Finn's first SPL match in charge of the Easter Road side comes across the city against bitter rivals Hearts in what is sure to be a frenetic atmosphere at Tynecastle.
Paatelainen is a veteran of such occasions following two spells as a player with Hibs, and most famously netted a hat-trick in beating Hearts 6-2 in October 2000.
And, despite admitting he wishes he had longer to prepare his players for the game after only succeeding John Collins last week, he is hoping that some of his knowledge of the inhospitable fixture will rub off on his young squad.
He said: "It's important to be relaxed and be yourself. Although I have the poker face outside, inside I am always laughing and joking.
"That was the same when I was a player, I was always laughing and joking and just being myself.
"I've only been in charge for a week and a half and we've only had a few training sessions so it would have been better for the team if we had been together longer. Obviously my ideas are a bit different.
"Nevertheless I'm sure we are ready, we are well prepared for this game and hopefully the guys are confident and can relax.
"I think that's the most important thing in this game. When the atmosphere is hostile and very loud, you need to relax in order to think, because football is a thinking game.
"Hopefully I can give the boys some advice and help in order to relax and to be at their best for Saturday."
Paatelainen will be forever remembered fondly by Hibs supporters for the part he played in the club's biggest win over Hearts in recent times, a match he admits is a highlight of his distinguished career.
And he is hoping that he can take away another memorable experience from his first trip to Tynecastle as a manager.
Paatelainen, who would not be drawn on reports he was ready to sign Inverness midfielder John Rankin, added: "The 6-2 game ranks very high in my career. It was a special occasion and a special match which is so important to so many people.
"To score a hat-trick in a derby match is a dream come true. I have great memories from derby matches and hopefully this Saturday there is another one."
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