SIZE MATTERS
Smith reckons less is more for Jambos as trimmed-down squad bursting with quality
MICHAEL SMITH reckons streamlined Hearts are as strong as he’s ever known.
The Tynecastle ace believes a reduction in numbers has brought a big increase in quality upon their return to the top flight.
Boss Robbie Neilson insists Hearts need additions but, having trimmed the numbers in his bloated squad through the summer, Smith sees benefits on a daily basis.
Hearts go into tomorrow’s clash with Aberdeen protecting a 100 per cent record in the Premiership and they had won their first six games of the campaign before last weekend’s Premier Sports Cup setback at Celtic Park.
Smith has been amongst proven international stars such as Christophe Berra and Kyle Lafferty during his four years in Gorgie, but believes he’s now part of the most powerful unit of his time.
He said: “It will be a really tough season, but this is the strongest Hearts squad we have had since I have been here and we are looking forward to the challenge.
“Over the last year the staff have brought in good players and we’ve got John Souttar back now and playing really well so he adds to it.
“We will probably bring in a few more players and drip-feed them in. But for me, personally, this is the strongest squad I have played in here, without a doubt.
“The boys we have bought in have looked really good additions. They will help us along the way.
“It’s a smaller squad in recent years, but in some ways that can be a help.
“Smaller numbers mean we can concentrate on things better rather than training with 25 or 30 when all you do is play games without upsetting people.”
Such quality within the ranks means no-one’s position is safe. Neilson is ready to add Liverpool’s Ben Woodburn to the camp if a deal can be agreed with the Reds while new stars such as Beni Baningime and Alex Cochrane have already hit the ground running. Smith knows personal standards simply can’t slip and he said: “If you’re not performing and the gaffer doesn’t fancy you then you’re out the team and you’re away. That’s down to you. “You have to perform and try to stay in the team. We are all good pals in the changing room but you want to take someone’s shirt or keep your own shirt. That’s how football is.
“It’s a cut-throat industry, but you can’t take things to heart.
“If you don’t put in performances you will be gone. There have been good players here who have left because they have dipped in form.
“That means you are always looking over your shoulder and always trying to give your best. It’s a huge club and everyone wants to be here and fight for their place.”
Smith and his team-mates are coping with the demands at this stage and the Northern Ireland international is excited about the campaign ahead.
Tomorrow’s visit by Aberdeen to Tynecastle in another big game in a Premiership which is shaping up to have its biggest clubs fighting in the top half of the table.
Smith said: “We have started reasonably well. The league has
been pleasing with two out of two. Sunday was a bit of a blip.
“There was a bit of a realisation that we rolled over and died a wee bit in the first half. It’s unacceptable for any Hearts team to do that, but we will be
ready for
Sunday and we are looking for a reaction from all of us.
“It will be a great game. Matches against Aberdeen are always a little bit fiery. Tynecastle will have a great atmosphere and we will look to go out there and assert ourselves.
“We need to get a good home run going and, hopefully, that will keep us up the top end of the league. Teams do find it tough coming to Tynecastle.
“Talking to Craig Gordon, he would say one of Celtic’s biggest games was Hearts away.
“We’ve had some great performances here and hopefully we can start again.
“It’s great to be back in the Premiership because you do want to challenge yourself.
“Everyone is expected to play second fiddle to the Old Firm, but it’s up to the rest of us to catch up and compete for the rest of the European places.
“Aberdeen will be a threat. I played against JET before and he’s a big powerful lad and I’m sure he will do really well at Aberdeen.
“He was at Bristol City and he was on fire. I was with Peterborough and he scored from 40 yards against us.
“He’s a big powerful lad who’s had injury problems. Hopefully, we keep him quiet and get the result.”
This is the strongest group we have had since I have been here SMITH SAYS JAMBOS HAVE CUT IT JUST FINE THIS TERM