Neilson picked Hearts line-up for league opener ‘weeks ago’
Hearts boss Robbie Neil son revealed he decided on his starting X Ito face Dundee weeks ago.
The Tynecastle squad has plenty of depth as was displayed during the week against Raith Rover sin the Bet fred Cup when eight changes were made from the side which defeated Cowdenbeath a few days previous.
A host of names were missing, including captain Steven Naismith, new signing Andy Halliday and Northern Ireland duo Michael Smith and Liam Boyce.
Peter Ha ring, Harry Cochrane and Craig Wighton, who netted a hat-trick, all put in good performances to give Neilson a selection headache. But he is unlikely to deviate from a plan formulated during pre -season for tonight’s Championship opener.
"To be honest, we knew the XI about three weeks ago ,” Neilson said. “We were using the Betfred games to get to that position and make sure they were in the best condition.
“Liam and Michael got back yesterday morning. Li am didn't play at all which is great from our perspective. Michael played about 60 minutes which was great ."
Meanwhile, Neilson admitted his plan all along was to recruit a left-back, knowing Aaron Hickey would likely depart. B en Garuccio was allowed to leave the club on Wednesday by mutual consent and Neilson said: "I spoke to Ben when I first came in and said my plan was to bring in a left back.
"We knew Hickey was probably going to move and Stephen [Kingsley] was one I wanted to bring in a while ago and we managed to get him in .”