Sergio impressed by Hearts duo

Paulo Sergio hailed Hearts duo Suso Santana and Darren Barr for their contribution to another derby win in a season of personal frustration.

Barr stepped in for suspended captain Marius Zaliukas and helped Hearts withstand some second-half pressure from Hibernian before substitute Santana wrapped up a 2-0 victory in the closing moments.

Barr has struggled to hold down a regular place since arriving from Falkirk and Sunday's Tynecastle triumph was only his seventh SPL start since 2010.

Santana has yet to start a game all season after being dogged by injury but the Spaniard claimed his second goal in recent weeks when he burst round the outside and curled the ball just inside the far post.

Sergio told Hearts TV: "Suso has a great hunger to play.

"He has been struggling all season with his knee injury. After he recovered from his knee he got injured in his hamstring.

"He deserves his moment and I'm very proud of him.

"Barr is a great professional. He is a guy that never complains, he is always there to do the job.

"For me these players are sometimes more important than ones who play every game and are never happy. I'm very proud of these players."

Barr's partner in central defence, Andy Webster, enjoyed the link-up.

"Darren's had to bide his time," Webster said. "He is what I would call a proper defender - if the ball needs to go, it goes.

"He's very good in the air and very aggressive when the ball is played into people's feet.

"When you get the chance to play in these games, you relish that."

The win was Hearts' third over their city rivals this season and extended an unbeaten run in the fixture to 10 games.

"I think the record speaks for itself, Hibs find it difficult coming here," Webster said.

"As a footballer you thrive on these big games and it's great for the fans."