ATHLETIC may be underdogs for Saturday’s visit to Easter Road, but Gavin Reilly is hopeful he can be their lucky charm in Leith.

The on-loan Hearts hitman, who returned to Allan Johnston’s starting line-up against Dumbarton after missing the Betfred Cup matches with Inverness and Dundee United with a hamstring strain, may not prove to be too popular with the locals because of his association with the maroon half of the capital.

But the 23-year-old will give what is expected to be a large home a more pressing reason to feel disgruntled if he can help his Pars team-mates to a result on Saturday – and extend his own unbeaten record at the home of the Hibees in the process.

Reilly was part of the Queen of the South team that faced off against Hibs in their first season in the Championship after relegation and, during two visits to Edinburgh, he emerged on top with four points after a scoreless draw and a 1-0 win.

Although he played in Hearts’ 2-2 draw with their great rivals in last season’s Scottish Cup, he didn’t feature in their subsequent replay defeat and, speaking to Press Sport, he commented: “You want to play in these games against the favourites for the league, and I’ve actually got a good record there. I played there a couple of times with Queens and we won one and drew one, so hopefully that continues. I’ve spoken to a couple of the boys at Hearts and I’m sure I’ll get a couple of texts.

“We had games with the big three of Hibs, Hearts and Rangers and, although we had the freedom to express ourselves, we had pressure on ourselves to play as we knew that we could. We know how well we can play and we can only get stronger. With our attacking play we can cause anyone problems, but we have to make sure that we’re solid and compact as well.”

The Pars may not get as many chances to score as they did in their thrilling East End opener, but Reilly, who was unfortunate not to open his competitive goal account for the club in the first half, says he is feeling good after recovering from a “frustrating” injury.

He continued: “Coming in I hadn’t played a lot of games – I’d not had a start since February – and, typically, the two games I missed were the glamour ties in the group, especially with the last one being on the telly as well. I had to be sensible because there’s a long season ahead, but I was champing at the bit on Saturday. It’s good to be back; I got a good 70 minutes and I’ve had no reaction to it.

“I’m feeling good and I’m really enjoying it so far. I had one saved at point-blank range on Saturday but the goals will come because we’re creating chances. We looked a real threat with balls coming into the box and we are definitely capable of pushing up the league.”