Robbie Neilson believes Hearts fans will see the best of Robert Snodgrass after the World Cup break.
The veteran midfielder is starting to find his mojo in maroon after signing as a free agent after the transfer window closed in September. Ineligible for the Tynecastle club’s Europa Conference League campaign, Snodgrass has been utilised on Premiership duty more and more, with Hearts ’ form picking up in recent weeks prior to Wednesday night’s narrow loss away to Rangers.
Snodgrass’ performances have been a contributing factor, and he's shown there’s still plenty of life in the old legs yet. Now that the schedule will get less hectic with Europe over, training between games is set to intensify, with those not away on international duty in line for a mini pre-season over the next month before action resumes. Neilson believes Snodgrass is one of those who’ll benefit the most, and is confident that will be telling on the park.
“I’m delighted,” said Neilson. “When he came in, we knew technically he’s got the ability. He’s got an understanding of the game, the way he controls it helps the younger ones round about him.
“It was just a factor of getting his fitness levels up. You can see him improving week in, week out and this kind of mini pre-season we’re going to get over the World Cup break will really help him as well. But also when we come back, it’s Saturday-Saturday games which will help him in his recovery.”
Snodgrass has been playing deeper than he's used to at Hearts. Mostly an attacker during his playing career, he’s been at the base of the Jambos’ midfield, and Neilson explained the need to get him in possession as often as they can is one of the reasons why.
“When you've got a player of Robert’s ability, you have to get them on the ball as much as possible,” said the Hearts boss.
“Other than the defensive positions, I think he can play anywhere else for us because he’s got that quality. When he gets the ball, you know he's going to keep it and make the right decisions. Robert can play a number of positions.”
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