New boss Csaba Laszlo will take his men to arch-rivals Hibernian in the first Edinburgh derby of the season on Sunday looking to bounce back from two straight defeats.

Recent results have dented what had been a promising start under Laszlo and Scotland defender Berra knows Hibs and their fans would love nothing more than to inflict a hat-trick of losses on their neighbours.

"It will be a hot reception," Berra, 23, told the club's official website.

"To be fair, if you're not looking forward to the derby, you're not a professional footballer, because these are the types of games you want to play in, the big games, the big atmospheres, and hopefully that will bring out the best in a lot of players."

Because of the international break, Hearts have had to wait more than two weeks to play again since suffering their first SPL home defeat of the season against Kilmarnock.

They were also hammered 3-0 at Dundee United the previous weekend and have lost all but one away game this term.

"The last two games have been disappointing, we weren't at our best," Berra said.

"But that's football for you, you've got to take the highs and lows.

"We'll be looking forward to going to Easter Road and try to get a victory. We've gone there in the past seasons and done well and hopefully we can carry on that good record.

"But we know it's going to be a very difficult game - it always is. And it's the toss of a coin sometimes."

Aside from the last two games, Berra believes Hearts have made a promising start to the Laszlo regime.

"I think we've had a good start overall to the season," he said.

"We've got a new manager in and things are not going to change dramatically.

"You can't just finish eighth the season before and change things with the majority of the same players.

"Plus, I'm not making excuses, but we have had a few injuries and hopefully those boys will come back."

Berra will lead Hearts out at Easter Road but claims it means only as much to him as any other game.

He said: "It's a proud moment walking out at Tynecastle or Easter Road and representing your club, no matter if it's against Hibs, Celtic, Rangers, Kilmarnock, Inverness.

"They're all big games."