Smith enjoying first-team life

It has taken Hearts youngster Liam Smith two and a half years but he finally feels like he belongs in the Jambos’ first-team squad.

And now that the 20-year-old has found his feet amongst his senior Tynecastle colleagues, he hopes to make himself a permanent fixture in Robbie Neilson’s starting line-up.

The Scotland Under-21 right-back made his Gorgie debut back in August 2014 but was limited to just 13 appearances by the time this season kicked-off.

He was even farmed out to Raith Rovers in September in a bid to give him an extra taste of first-team action only for a hamstring injury to curtail his stint in Fife.

But Smith’s disappointment did not last long as he has been welcomed back into the Hearts fold by Neilson and started the capital outfit’s last match, a 2-2 draw against St Johnstone before the international break.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s trip to Hamilton, he said: “The season so far has been pretty positive. I was involved in the European games but heading into the league games my involvement died down a little.

“I then got the opportunity to go to Raith Rovers which I was grateful for. The idea was to go there, play a handful of games and build up my fitness. It would have been great if I could have played five or six games but the injury cost me a bit.

“The first game against Dumbarton I thought I did well but then in the second game I felt my hamstring go, which was really disappointing.

“However, coming back to Tynecastle and going straight into the team put me right back on the positive side. Hopefully it shows the manager has confidence in me.”

Jambos defender Igor Rossi is suspended while Accies are without Jesus Garcia Tena and Craig Watson.