Hearts must learn from their super-sub hoodoo

TWO RANGERS substitutes scored goals leading to Hearts missing out on Scottish Cup glory at Hampden. It was ironic, as in spite of a successful season, it hammered home just how far the team has to go to close the gap with

Scotland’s two top teams.

Hearts huffed and puffed for the first 45 minutes and succeeded in nullifying the

Europa League finalists and had Ellis Simms buried the golden opportunity that fell his way after just ten minutes, then the outcome might have been a completely different one.

Ryan Jack and Scott Wright came off the bench to see Rangers end an emotional week on a high. The Scottish pair, along with fellow outfield substitutes Glen Kamara and Fashion Sakala highlight the quality that the Old Firm sides have at their disposal.

It was the same story when Hearts visited Celtic Park last month. The men in maroon were playing well until Celtic brought on Georgios Giakoumakis, Liel Abada, Reo Hatate, Tom Rogic and James Forrest, who took the game away from the visitors.

With Hearts’ third-place finish guaranteeing groupstage European football of some form until December, Hearts must begin next season with a bigger squad to help cope with the hectic ThursdaySunday fixture schedule.

For that third-place finish they will receive a substantial financial reward. With any luck, former Hearts man,

Aaron Hickey will finalise a move from Bologna for

£15-20 million, of which, Hearts are entitled to a sell on clause which is reported to be at least 10%.

The excellent recruitment Hearts have made in the last two years means they will be recruiting from a position of strength. With the money earned from their efforts this season, sporting director Joe Savage and manager Robbie Neilson will hope to find the right additions.

John Souttar pulled on the maroon jersey for the last time at Hampden and was arguably

Hearts’ best player on the day.

Ball-playing centre backs are very difficult to find in the modern-day era, which is why Souttar will be difficult for Hearts to replace. Peter Haring is yet to agree a new contract at Tynecastle.

Hearts have had a great season. They failed to cap it off with silverware, but the transformation at the club in the last 12 months shows they are on the right track. *