Beau Reus ready for Hearts fight as Dutchman reveals derby hand stamp that sums up Premiership rough and tumble

Hearts goalkeeper Beau Reus says he's adapting to the physical intensity of Scottish football after a hand-stamping incident in the Edinburgh derby win over Hibs.

Beau Reus has settled into life at Hearts since his summer move from Beveren, but the Belgian goalkeeper has been struck by the aggressive physicality of Scottish Premiership football. During Hearts' derby victory over Hibernian, Reus had his hand stamped on during a loose ball incident — a type of contact he says doesn't occur in Belgian football.

Working with Hearts' goalkeeper coach Gordon Marshall, Reus is adapting to the demands of the Scottish game. "It's a big change but I've been working really hard with the goalkeeper coaches, the trainers and the guys at the club, focusing on the physical side of things and recovery," he said. "You just have to stand your ground and be strong in those moments. You have to defend yourself."

Reus acknowledged the need to be intelligent about physical battles, noting he cannot swing his arm and risk giving away a penalty. He praised Marshall's experience in Scottish football and revealed he's also been helping teammates, including winger Rogers Mato, who has been playing out of position at right-back due to injuries.