Robbie Neilson reveals frustrated Hearts dressing-room and has say on his own yellow card

Extending their unbeaten run to 10 games, Hearts boss Robbie Neilson revealed there was still a sense of frustration in the home dressing room after they were forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Ross County in the cinch Premiership.

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson laughs at a decision by the referee during the draw with Ross County.

“I think you could call it that,” said Neilson. “We huffed and puffed a wee bit. The start of the game was 200 miles per hour, we kicked it, they kicked it and there was no real control.

“I thought once we got some control in the game there were opportunities to score, opportunities to make that final pass and we just weren’t quite there today.”

Striker Liam Boyce, who has netted 16 goals already this term, passed up two great chances to secure all three points.

“On another day they would go in,” added Neilson. “Liam is our top goal scorer and he’s a top player, but you get days like that. We had it earlier in the season as well. We had a wee period in January time when it wasn’t quite clicking and hopefully it will click in next week.

“Ross County defended really well, they had loads of blocks around the box. Although they never created a lot of chances, they had some counter attacks, it’s up to us to score a goal. They’re coming to Tynecastle and I’m sure Malky [Mackay, the County manager] will be delighted with the point with the position they’re in. We’re disappointed not to take the three. Sometimes that happens.”

Frustrated by the scoreline, the Gorgie gaffer was also irked by elements of referee Steven McLean’s officiating and after remonstrating strongly Neilson was shown a yellow card.

“I was disappointed with the referee because there is a responsibility on them as well to allow teams to play football,” added Neilson. “You are asking a midfielder to receive the ball but if a player comes through the back of them and wins the ball it is a free kick. But for some reason in Scottish football we don’t give that. If it was Europe and if he does that then the ref gives it. But because he doesn't, the next time the ball comes in the midfielder doesn't want to take it so everybody starts kicking the ball long and that is a real frustration.”