Arnaud admits his Hearts comeback should have ended in rapid red card

ARNAUD DJOUM spent six torturous months out injured but admits his Hearts comeback should have lasted just three minutes. The 29-year-old returned after six months out with a devastating ruptured Achilles injury as a 74-minute substitute in the 4-1 home win over St Mirren. But Djoum’s desire to make up for lost time got the better of him when he scythed down Ryan Flynn. And the combative midfielder reckons ref Kevin Clancy should have BY ALAN MARSHALL dismissed him for the lunge – even if there was no malice on his part.

The Cameroonian said: “It was a great feeling to be back on the pitch against St Mirren.

“There could have maybe been a sending-off. I was too excited I think!

“It was a pretty bad tackle. It probably deserved a red card and I was lucky I didn’t get it.

“It was at Tynecastle and my emotions were high. The support I got from the fans was special. I thank them for giving me a lot of messages when I was out.

“It was my first serious injury. It was hard having a few injuries last term and it’s tough mentally.

“Thankfully my family were there to support me. The mental aspect is the toughest. You want to be on the pitch but sit at home and can’t do what you love.

“It is not a physical thing – because you don’t really feel pain – it is the challenge of being patient.”

But Djoum has been inspired by John Souttar’s stunning comeback from the same injury in 2017 as he looks to fight his way into the new-look side for today’s Motherwell clash.

Djoum said: “John was a big help to me. I asked a lot of questions about rehab and coming back stronger.

“He is playing his best football now so that gives me a lot of inspiration.

“When I look around the dressing room, I feel like the new signing.

“I need to work hard because there are a lot of good players in the team.

“It will be a challenge to get back in.”