NEILSON’S PRAISEFOR DEESTRIKER

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson admits he is thrilled to see pal Osman Sow hitting a purple patch – but hopes the Dundee striker comes up short tonight.

Neilson signed the Swede in 2014 during his first stint in the Hearts dugout and Sow delivered with 12 goals as the Gorgie side romped to the Championship title.

Sow was then recruited by Neilson at both MK Dons and Dundee United.

And after suffering a serious Achilles injury last February at Tannadice, the 30-year-old is starting to look like the player the Jambos sold to Chinese club Henan Jianye for more than £1 million five years ago.

Sow is likely to be the main threat to Hearts in the first-versus-third tussle and Neilson knows his defence will have to be on their toes.

Neilson, whose side are five points clear of nearest challengers Dunfermline at the summit, said: “I know Osman very well, he’s been doing well recently.

“I’m pleased for the big man that he’s got himself back fit again.

“I obviously had him at Hearts, MK Dons and United and he had a few problems there.

“I have known him for a long time and I’m good friends with him.

“I know he has had a difficult year to 18 months.

“But it shows you the strength he has that he has fought back again, because he has had a number of problems over the years.

“He’s always had the ability, just getting him playing regularly was the issue at MK and United.

“He snapped his Achilles when he was at United and it has been a long road back.

“He seems to have found his form again, which is great for him.

“Hopefully he doesn’t find it on Saturday.”

But Neilson insists Sow is not the only player that Hearts will be paying close attention to as the Tynecastle outfit look to pull the brakes on the Dark Blues’ five-game unbeaten run.

He added: “We speak to the players about every team and striker we come up against and it will be no different with Osman.

“We’ll also look at Paul Mcgowan, Danny Mullin and Charlie Adam.

“We’ll have a video package to show our boys what they will be up against and how to, hopefully, negate it.”