Robbie Neilson admits he was glad to get Kye Rowles signed up for Hearts before he shone for Australia in their World Cup play-off final win.
The Aussie centre back put in a Man of the Match display as the Socceroos booked a fifth successive appearance at the finals with a penalty shoot-out win over Peru. Rowles had penned a three-year contract with the Jambos just days before, and if he, Nathaniel Atkinson and Cammy Devlin are called-up for Qatar, then Hearts stand to net nearly £500,000 in compensation from FIFA.
But Neilson is just glad Rowles had already committed to the capital club before anyone else could be tempted after watching him keep the Peruvians at bay. "We were, to be fair,” Neilson admitted. “We knew he was a good player who would be round about the squad but he has obviously played in both games and done really well. I think he will be an excellent player for us.
"We have Atkinson there and Cammy Devlin, so this gives these guys a carrot to either stay in there or get in the World Cup squad. It's great for us as well.”
There’s the small matter of the Premiership season before thoughts can turn to Qatar, however. Hearts kick-off against Ross County at home on Saturday, July 30, but fans’ focus is already very much on the trip across the city to play Hibs the following week.
Neilson is set to go head-to-head with two of his former Tynecastle teammates in Lee Johnson and assistant manager Jamie McAllister. The Gorgie gaffer played with both, but knows McAllister a little better. And while he’s glad to see him back in the game, he doesn’t want him doing well.
"You want to play in these big games, but our focus has got to be on Ross County at home and make sure we win that,” Neilson reminded. “We've got European games after that which need to be put to bed. The derby, yes, you’re always thinking about it when it comes but the first one's got to be Ross County and be ready for that."
"Wee Johnno, I know him very well. Jamie as well, I played with him for a number of years. We've had a conversation here and there but when the derby comes, the derby comes and everyone is wanting to win.
"I've kept in touch with him a wee bit since our playing days, going back and forward. I've known him since he came up here in 2006 and we've always kind of kept in contact. Probably more so with Jamie; I've known him a lot longer . It's nice to see him back in management, but hopefully he's not successful!"
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