Neilson hopes return of big guns will help fire Hearts

Robbie Neilson expects Hearts to be “a more vocal, more driven team” as they welcome three experienced players into their defence.

The under-fire Edinburgh club travel to Dunfermline tomorrow with Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, Northern Ireland defender Michael Smith and new loan signing Shay Logan in their squad.

Gordon and Smith were badly missed during international fortnight as Hearts lost in the Scottish Cup at Brora Rangers and suffered a home league defeat against Queen of the South.

Both matches were notable for defensive errors and lack of on-field leadership, with some fans calling for the removal of manager Neilson and owner Ann Budge. Logan’s arrival adds further expertise as Neilson prepares to reorganise his back line this weekend.

“We have a number of senior players coming back into the group again. When you lose the likes of Michael Smith, Craig Gordon, Steven Naismith and Stephen Kingsley, it's quite a number who bring that leadership. We didn't have Andy Halliday available either for that [Brora] game,” said the manager.

"When people like that are missing it will always be a loss to the group. Last Saturday, we were still without a number of them but they're all coming back now, so I would expect to see a more vocal, more driven team.

“We went into the last two games with a totally different back four from what we've been playing all season. We had a different keeper in, a leftback in and we had to shuffle the pack with Craig Halkett going to right-back.

“Bringing Michael back and Craig back, and also Shay Logan coming in, gives us more numbers in there. We'll get people playing in their correct positions, maybe with one or two shifting about. There will be a little bit more balance within the team.”

Logan is poised to make his debut at East End Park after agreeing a loan deal for the final five games of the campaign. Hearts need only two wins to secure the Championship title and automatic promotion to the Premiership.

“He's an experienced player who has played 400 or 500 games in the Premiership,” said Neilson of Logan. “It's not like a novice coming into the team where you have to explain everything for him. We will keep things simple for him. I'm sure he'll pick it up no problem.

Tynecastle officials have endured a difficult couple of weeks as discontent among supporters led to a small number protesting outside the stadium last weekend.

Neilson acknowledged that results and performances have not been good enough of late, advising all concerned to take the criticism on the chin.

“It is part and parcel of being a manager, you can do all the courses you want on tactics but when the chips are down it is about keeping everyone together and you push forward,” he said.

"I spoke to the players about it not being acceptable but they have to put it right. You can talk to the press, talk at the training ground but the only way to put it right is by winning on a Saturday.”