Robbie Neilson stays optimistic that Stephen Kingsley will probably be match for subsequent week’s Edinburgh derby.
The defender missed Hearts ’ opening day Premiership win over Ross County after struggling a slight hamstring harm within the construct up. He was at Tynecastle, nevertheless it was a watching temporary just for the previous Falkirk man. Australian worldwide Kye Rowles made his aggressive debut for the Jambos on the left hand facet of a again three alongside Craig Halkett and Toby Sibbick.
Additional alterations needed to be made to the backline after Nathaniel Atkinson was compelled off within the first half. Rowe’s Socceroos teammate was changed by Jorge Grant with Michael Smith transferring to proper wing again. Atkinson had been sick earlier within the week and was struggling along with his power ranges towards the Staggies. Nonetheless, Neilson confirmed he will probably be out there to face Hibs within the first capital conflict on the season at Easter Highway subsequent Sunday.
"Stephen received a nick on his hamstring earlier within the week,” he stated. “It is too early simply now however we're longing for subsequent week as he has been excellent in pre-season. Atkinson will probably be tremendous. There was a few days in the course of the week the place he wasn't feeling nicely.
"We put him in however after 15 or 20 minutes he simply had no power left. He'll be tremendous for subsequent week."
On the different finish of the park, Alan Forrest continued his spectacular begin to life in maroon with the opening objective on his league debut. The previous Livingston winger began and completed a tremendous staff transfer to interrupt the impasse earlier than Barrie McKay’s equally spectacular strike proved to be the winner.
Neilson was delighted with Forrest's influence as he confirmed precisely why he’s the kind of participant Neilson and sporting director Joe Savage need of their squad. And Neilson has tipped the Scotland Underneath 21 worldwide to go on to greater issues after making the step up.
"I believe he’ll be a particularly good participant for us,” stated Neilson. “I like his profession path, I believe he’s the form of participant Hearts ought to be signing.
"He went to Ayr United and did very well, he made the step as much as Livingston and did nicely there. Now he’s at Hearts and you'll see he has the standard to go as much as the subsequent stage once more.”
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