Robbie Neilson has warned his Hearts stars NOBODY is guaranteed a start as he sent out a 'best level' message to his troops.
The Jambos boss made two changes in the weekend win over Dundee United with ever-present Alex Cochrane one of those dropping to the bench. He came on during the Tynecastle encounter and netted the crucial second goal to set his side on the way to a 3-1 win with skipper Lawrence Shankland netting the leveller before Stephen Humphrys incredible own half effort.
The likes of Jorge Grant and Orestis Kiomourtzoglou have been training well and making an impact when called upon. The Hearts boss knows there will be a few members of the squad, like the duo, who will be disappointed but has urged everyone to keep working hard and wait for the opportunity to come in and grab it with both hands.
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He told Edinburgh Evening News: "Nobody is guaranteed a starting position here. You are at a big football club. When you come on in a game, you’ve got to make an impact. When you train every day, you’ve got to make an impact.
“Jorge has been doing that. He’s been training very well. He’s been patient and he will be frustrated, as everyone is when they aren’t playing. When you’re playing at a big football club there is a big squad and there will be rotation. Andy Halliday came in on Saturday, as did Stephen Kingsley, Alex Cochrane dropped out of the starting line-up.
“It’s about being here and performing at the best level you can and, to be fair, Jorge has done that. I thought he came on against United and showed some good movement and good passing.
“Kio will probably be the most disappointed. He came on against Rangers at half-time last Wednesday and did exceptionally well. He settled the game for us, got forward and had some good switches of play – then he didn’t get on at the weekend. There will be a few of them like that. They just have to keep working and wait for that opportunity to come.”
Hearts' attention now turns to the Scottish Cup with a trip to Championship strugglers Hamilton Accies. The winner will advance to the last eight of the competition.
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