Neilson hopes Covid will stay under control
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson admits he is relieved that the club’s first Covid- 19 case has so far been contained.
The Gorgie side released a statement just hours before yesterday’s 5- 3 Championship win over Ayr United to confirm that an unnamed player had tested positive for the virus after showing mild symptoms on Christmas Eve.
That player is currently self- isolating for 10 days.
And Neilson is thankful that no other members of the squad were ordered to stay at home.
He said: “It’s part of the season and we’ve had a number of teams that have been in the same situation.
“The pleasing thing for us is that it hasn’t spread within the group, we have followed protocols and everyone is happy with it.
“I’m disappointed to lose a player but it’s going to be like that the way things are going at the moment.”
The club statement read: “Heart of Midlothian Football Club can confirm that a first- team player has tested positive for Covid-19.
“The player began to develop mild symptoms on Christmas Eve and, after receiving a positive test result, is now self-isolating for 10 days.
“Following protocols to the letter, the club has been in constant dialogue with the Joint Response Group and both parties are satisfied that, having traced the player’s movements and close contacts this week, no other players or members of staff will have to self-isolate.
“The club’s training base at Oriam has undergone a deep clean in line with the stringent procedures put in place at the start of the pandemic.
“Though the player feels slightly unwell he remains in good spirits and is looking forward to joining up with the squad again once his isolation period ends.”
Ayr boss Mark Kerr, meanwhile, was disappointed his side were unable to hold on to their lead in the 5-3 defeat at Tynecastle.
He said: “We knew we were going to face a challenge after we went ahead.
“They made a couple of changes with Naisy and Wighton coming on and it does drag you about.”