Hearts to train at Alloa’s Recreation Park

Robbie Neilson: Special training. Picture: SNS

The trip to Clackmannanshire will pose the Tynecastle outfit’s second test on a synthetic  surface in successive weeks after they emerged with a 3-0 win at Queen of the South on Saturday.

But with the Recreation Park astroturf, which was laid in 2007, having already been branded “horrible” by Rangers manager Ally McCoist following his side’s 1-1 draw last month, Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson is taking no chances.

Their city rivals Hibs also struggled at Alloa in a 2-1 defeat and Neilson is determined to at least keep their undefeated Championship record intact on Saturday. He said: “It was a pleasing day at Queen of the South and we start gearing up for Alloa, go there and hopefully get the three points as well.

“Queens have a different surface from Alloa, [so] we’re going down to Alloa on Wednesday to train and get used to the surface.

“We’ll train on our astro on Thursday and Friday as well just to get prepared and make sure they know what to expect. You can tell them all you want about what it’s like but it’s not until you actually see it.

“It’s important we all go down on Wednesday and see the surface, train on it and get used to it, and then hopefully we can get a result. ”

Hearts maintained their six-point lead at the summit courtesy of goals by Osman Sow, Prince Buaben and Jordan McGhee in the win at Palmerston.

Swedish marksman Sow took his tally to seven in ten appearances following his summer arrival from Crystal Palace and Neilson has been delighted with the impact of the 24-year-old.

He added: “Osman’s strike was phenomenal. He’s been a revelation since he came in.

“It’s about getting him into those areas and at times he is unplayable. His movement and his pace is phenomenal and I’m pleased for him.”