Neilson – Close The Gap Now

Head coach Robbie Neilson has called on Hearts to close the gap at the top of the table when we face Partick Thistle this weekend.

Speaking to the Official Site in his pre game press conference, Neilson explained that it would be the perfect time to edge closer to the top of the table given that Celtic host Aberdeen in the other fixtures this weekend.

‘Celtic play Aberdeen before us so we`ll know the outcome of that before we take to the field. One or both of those teams will drop points, so it`s up to us to do our job and close in on them. It won`t be easy, however. Partick have a good manager and they`ve got quality in players such as Mathias Pogba, so we`re in for a tough game.’

As for team news ahead of the game, we will again be without Blazej Augustyn following his suspension with the red card against Ross Conuty on Saturday, but we can welcome back Juwon Oshaniwa.

‘Juwon will be ready for tomorrow and we`re hopeful Pallardo will make it as well. Overall we`re looking okay, we`ve got a few niggles here and there but that`s to be expected after a tough week. We`ll assess fitness in training today, but we`ve thankfully got a good squad of players that can come in and perform.’

In other Robbie news today, Sky Sports have him quoted talking about his link with English side Aston Villa.

‘It’s just paper talk. These things happen when people move on from different clubs, there is always talk. But my sole focus is here at Hearts. I’ve still got a huge job to do and it’s something I am really enjoying. It’s more testament to the players and the club, to be honest, than myself. The club has come on so much in the last 18 months and it’s continuing to grow but we still have a long way to go and I want to be part of it.’

With Oshaniwa coming back into contention, he was also interviewed ahead of the game and he explained that having missed the last two, he’s raring to go if called upon by the gaffer.

‘I should be ready for tomorrow, I`d say I`m currently at 85-90 per cent fitness. I`ve never had such an injury before and I knew immediately that I wouldn`t be able to continue. Thankfully it wasn`t too serious, it was just a case of resting for a few weeks.’

He also commented briefly about our season so far and the possibility that victory tomorrow could send us into second place following last year’s Championship title win and promotion.

The aim obviously remains a top six place though.

‘For a newly promoted team we`ve done well so far, but we keep pushing to make sure we at least finish in the top six. Of course it would be great to make Europe, that`s what we`re working towards. We`ve got some talented players and a good management crew here, so there is a lot of belief in the team.’