Eammon Bannon was at Hearts for five seasons

Midfielder Stewart is poised to sign for Hibs after spending a season on loan with their Edinburgh rivals.

But Bannon, who also played for both clubs as well as Dundee United, said: "It is not as bad as it once was.

"Supporters are more discerning now and the proof of the pudding will be in his performances for Hibs."

The 24-year-old grew up as a Hearts fan in the capital but is poised to follow the likes of Bannon, Darren Jackson, Gordon Smith, Alan Gordon and present Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley by playing for both city clubs.

It is rather unusual because he wasn't always getting a game for Hearts Eammon Bannon

"Once upon a time it was a big deal and players would think twice about making such a move," said Bannon.

"But, if he does well, he will be accepted. If he struggles, he will get stick but not just because he is an ex-Hearts player.

"Paul Hartley is a good example of that. He used to play for Hibs but is now one of Hearts best players."

Bannon, who spent five seasons with Hearts before moving to Easter Road, admitted he had been surprised by Hibernian manager Tony Mowbray's decision to recruit Stewart.

"It is rather unusual because he wasn't always getting a game for Hearts," he said.

"I was disappointed in what I saw of him last season. I had heard so much about him, but in the first game I saw he was hooked pretty early.

"I can't see how he would strengthen Hibs, who already have a midfield with some good young players."

Bannon's own cross-city switch had been at the twilight of his career as he had moved to Hibs to become reserve team coach.

But an injury crisis saw him pull on his boots once more, at the age of 37, in a 3-1 defeat by Motherwell.

He said: "Yes, I am a quiz question - I played just one game for Hibs.