CALLUM PATERSON has leapt to the defence of “incredible” Hearts head coach Ian Cathro - and has told his team-mates to “man up” following their Easter Road mauling.

The Jambos crashed out of the Scottish Cup with a meek surrender against their city rivals on Wednesday, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat.

The sold-out travelling section made their feelings known throughout the contest, jeering their players during pedestrian passages as Neil Lennon’s side out-played, out-thought and out-fought Cathro’s hapless Hearts.

Paterson said: “Honestly, the gaffer is brilliant. His tactical mind is unbelievable. It’s just not clicking right now, but that will come.

“The way he applies himself on the training ground is impeccable, he is respectful and is great at what he does. It’s just about giving it time to work.

“He’s one of the best managers I’ve ever worked under and his tactical brain is incredible. He will come good. I think the Hearts fans did stick by Robbie [Neilson] - but some of them were understandably not happy with the result against Hibs. That’s normal.

“When you lose against your rivals, you go to work the next day and your workmates are taking the mickey out of you - it obviously hurts. But stick by him [Cathro], 100 per cent.”