HE’S NOT OLD NICK Cathro: Sam was stupid to spit but he’s still young and isn’t the devil

IAN CATHRO has branded Sam Nicholson immature and stupid for spitting at linesman Stephen Mitchell in midweek.

The Hearts boss initially stood up for Nicholson after his red card in the 1-0 defeat by St Johnstone.

After reviewing the footage Cathro now admits the winger’s conduct was unacceptable and that the 22-year-old still has some growing up to do.

But he claims Nicholson, who is banned for today’s clash against Dundee, shouldn’t be painted as the devil after his moment of McDiarmid Park madness.

Cathro said: “Sam has recognised the mistake he made. He has apologised to me and to his team-mates.

“He is guilty of a stupid action and stupid behaviour though frustration that affected the team.

“That’s the biggest problem we can have. So that is completely unacceptable. He recognises it.

“I will add Sam is a young player who of course has growing up to do in every aspect, as do all young players at that stage of their life.

“He is a good young Scottish talent with good energy and a lot ahead of him.

“It would be completely wrong to paint him as someone who has that sort of darkness we associate with spitting.

“There wasn’t a direct attempt to spit on someone. It’s important it doesn’t get dragged on too far and we’re calling him the devil because that’s not true either.”

Nicholson, who still hasn’t apologised to Mitchell, will be disciplined by the club.

But Cathro added: “The internal discipline is something I will deal with privately.

“Sam is looking at him, jogging backwards looking at him in frustration. There is not any dialogue between them.

“Sam then spat in his direction with a gesture of frustration and anger, which was foolish, stupid and hurt the team.

“The most important thing for all of us is our job is to always be adding to each other, always be adding to the strength of the team.

“When a player drops below a level and starts to hurt the team, that’s completely unacceptable.

“Sam accepts that. He has apologised to his team-mates and he has apologised to me. We will deal with it privately.”

Hearts hitman Bjorn Johnsen admits confidence is as low as it has been at Tynecastle since he joined the club last summer.

The American-Norwegian lines up against Dundee today with the Jambos seeking to bounce back from three successive defeats.

But Johnsen believes old head Don Cowie will rally the troops and get Hearts back in business.

He said: “Don – he’s the man. He’ll bring everyone together.

“If you could hear on the pitch you’d hear his voice. He’s never quiet! He’s gone through hard games, we need that experience.

“This is probably the lowest our confidence has been since I joined.

“If we get a result against Dundee, confidence will come back in five minutes. It can all change in one game. We look to Don in those moments. He’s always been there for us and he will continue to be.”