O’Neill salutes Jambos

MICHAEL O’NEILL was impressed by Hearts after watching his Stoke City team lose 2-1 at Tynecastle.

Lawrence Shankland capped his first appearance for Robbie Neilson’s side with a goal in both halves before Tyrese Campbell netted a late consolation.

Hearts’ Barrie McKay was lively throughout the clash and the winger’s performance did not go unnoticed by former Northern Ireland boss O’Neill.

He said: “I was impressed by Hearts, I thought Barrie McKay was excellent and the signing of Shankland is a big boost for them as well.

“His goal record is good and I like the fact he went abroad to try that.

“I think Robbie has put together a decent squad.”