Defensive Delight For Neilson

Head coach Robbie Neilson has said he was thrilled with the defensive performance of Hearts as we kept a clean sheet in a two nil victory over Ross County at the weekend.

Video – Ross County Highlights

Speaking to the Official Site in his post game media interviews, a delighted Neilson said he felt it was an outstanding showing from the boys once we went down to ten men in the game.

‘It was a really good result for us. County have been playing very well recently, and they were full of confidence after their win over Aberdeen last week, so they came here expecting to win. To put in such a good performance, and then with ten men, is something I`m delighted with. When we lost a man, we gave the ball but played on the counter and performed very well. I know I`ve said before that we train with ten men but it`s true, we practice for all scenarios. It`s just about keeping discipline, shape and being compact. We showed them wide and dealt with their crossing.’

With it being our third clean sheet in four games, that was obviously a great positive for the gaffer and he was hoping the defensive showings would continue for the remainder of the season now as it’s a great foundation for us to build on in games.

‘Clean sheets are important and its down to the whole team, even Osman Sow working side to side without a strike partner making sure they had no time on the ball when they had possession. I thought Arnaud did really well today. He`s been playing in the 20s to get fitness, and he`s played top-flight in Holland for six years, as well as in Turkey and Poland. I expected a good performance and he delivered one, so I`m very satisfied with his first start.’

With Wednesday nights League Cup tie with Celtic now on the horizon, the gaffer went on to say that it should be a fantastic atmosphere and occasion for the fans.

‘It makes a huge difference to us, having a big crowd behind us. Celtic`s allocation has been cut from what it generally is in the past so we need to make sure that we sell out and really make it a tough environment to come to. The players need the backing and it`s going to be a really tough game. People talk about Celtic having a difficult start to the season but they`re still a top team with top players. We have to makes sure that we make it as intimidating as possible for them.’