THE MAGIC FOOT
Tynecastle boss hails dazzling display by on-form star Irving
Hearts had been expecting magic from Gary Mackaysteven on his debut against alloa on saturday, but instead it was andy Irving’s ‘wand’ of a left-foot that did all the damage.
the midfielder is getting to the point of being undroppable, with his performances becoming more impressive each week.
as well as effortlessly exhibiting his full passing range on the plastic pitch, the 20-year-old scored the opening goal with a thumping drive from outside the box.
‘there’s no doubting his ability on the ball — his left foot is like a wand sometimes,’ said Hearts boss robbie Neilson after watching his team move seven points clear at the summit. Irving’s negotiating position in new contract talks has become even stronger.
so it is no surprise the classy playmaker, dubbed the ‘Porty Pirlo’ by Hearts fans, does not appear to be fazed by the fact he is out of contract this summer.
asked about how discussions over a new deal were progressing, Irving said: ‘I just need to keep concentrating on my football and I’m sure it’ll get sorted out when the time comes.
‘all I want to focus on is playing football to the best of my ability and helping the team win.
‘Hopefully, at the end of the season we reach our objective of getting out of this league.’
Irving made his debut for Hearts in January 2018 under then manager Craig Levein.
However, it was not until last season that he became a recognised first-team player, featuring 25 times in a disastrous campaign that ended in relegation. But he has not looked back since starting in five of the last six league encounters.
He added: ‘the run of games that I’ve had from Morton onwards has helped me.
‘every game I think I’ve improved at things, but I’ve also maybe made mistakes in other positions where I need to make improvements as well. But the more I play, the more I feel I’ll get better.
‘I had a taste of it last season, but it was a tough season, there’s no denying that. It was a good experience, though, and playing for Hearts is great.’
all eyes had been on Mackaysteven pre-match, the former Celtic and aberdeen winger having recently joined the tynecastle side from New York City.
Irving stole the limelight, but the youngster fully expects Mackaysteven, who was introduced at the interval, to light up scottish football’s second tier in due course. He added: ‘Gary will be a good signing for us. He brings something totally different with a bit of trickery and confidence as well. ‘We need players that can do something different with a bit of skill and unlock defences, both at home and away.’ Irving broke the deadlock in the 25th minute and Hearts, who avenged November’s Betfred Cup loss at the Indodrill stadium, doubled their lead just before the break when elliott Frear volleyed in Jamie Walker’s cross. Despite being reduced to ten men only minutes beforehand when Lucas Williamson was shown a second yellow card, Kevin Cawley pulled one back for the Wasps four minutes from time.
But Hearts regained their two-goal cushion with the last kick of the game through Josh Ginnelly.
alloa remain second bottom of the table — and midfielder ray Grant, manager Peter’s son, admits they were simply beaten by the better team.
He said: ‘Both sides gave it everything, but you have to appreciate that they have good players and sometimes a little bit of quality out of nowhere, like their first goal, can happen. ‘It is why it’s so important to try to stay switched on throughout the game. ‘We stuck at it and then we got the goal back at the end, but their third is what happens when you are trying to chase an equaliser. ‘We just have to look at it now and see where we can improve ahead of the game next week.’