Neilson’s delight with Hearts’ start to the season

Head coach Robbie Neilson insists he is delighted with how Hearts have coped on their return to the Premiership.

Hearts currently sit in third place after the opening round of fixtures. Picture: Ian Georgeson

In beating Dundee United last Sunday to move back up to third place, the Tynecastle side completed their first round of fixtures against their league rivals. Of those 11 matches, Hearts won six, drew two and lost three.

Neilson said: “I’m delighted with the position we are in considering we got promoted during the summer. We had a great start, it got a wee bit difficult but the performances have still been there.

“Our objective is to get into the top six. We’re sitting in third position so it’s been a good start but there is still a long way to go.”

Neilson has been pleased with how youngsters Sam Nicholson, Jamie Walker, Callum Paterson and Billy King have adapted. He added: “There have been loads of pluses. The young players that we have, Nicholson, King, Walker, Paterson – guys like that all being able to step up and perform well. These are plus points.

“The new guys coming in too, it’s taken them a bit of time to bed in but they’re getting there and they’re starting to learn how the Scottish game is played, how to communicate a bit better. Their English is getting better.”

Arnaud Djoum is Hearts’ newest recruit and Neilson could turn to the Belgian midfielder for the game against Ross County tomorrow if Miguel Pallardo fails to shake off a calf knock.