Brilliant Barrie’s the TALK of Tynecastle
HEARTS manager Robbie Neilson and his Livingston counterpart, David Martindale, were both in agreement as they waxed lyrical about Barrie McKay, who finally opened his account for the hosts with a stunning volley.
Neilson claimed that Hearts are lucky to have him, while Martindale went even further by insisting that his talent is worthy of the English Championship.
The former Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Swansea player struck an exquisite effort into the top corner of the net from 12 yards just before the hour mark.
Hearts had already been leading at that point following Beni Baningime’s third-minute effort, the midfielder scoring in successive weeks.
Despite his lack of goals, McKay has been one of Hearts’ outstanding performers, having also chipped in with eight league assists.
And his manager, whose team are now 14 points clear of Dundee United in third place, was fulsome in his praise of the 27-year-old.
‘The goal has been coming for Barrie for a while,’ said Neilson. ‘His performances have been outstanding and he creates loads of chances. I didn’t think it would be a tap in when the goal came because he’s a top player and we are lucky to have him.
‘Hopefully that might open the floodgates for him. Barrie is a quiet lad and he just gets on with it, but the boys are giving him stick. We also had Beni scoring with another tackle!’
A magnanimous Martindale also singled out the Hearts forward.
‘We are lucky to have Barrie McKay in the Premiership,’ said the Livi boss. ‘He’s a fantastic player. I can’t believe he’s still not playing in the English Championship.
‘If you look at his finish, it was unbelievable technique the way he’s connected with it.’
The delight over the win and McKay’s strike was, however, tempered by the sight of Baningime being forced off because of a knee problem in the first half. The former Everton player was then seen using crutches as he took his seat behind the Hearts dugout at the start of the second period.
‘We will just need to see how Beni is,’ said Neilson. ‘It’s his knee and he had that problem earlier in the season. It was disappointing but there is no point worrying about it.’
Hearts scored four times in last weekend’s Scottish Cup victory over St Mirren and were up and running after just three minutes yesterday.
Ellis Simms’ cross to Nat Atkinson triggered panic in Livi’s six-yard box and the ball fell kindly for
Baningime, who stabbed home from close range. That effort set the tone for what proved to be a comfortable afternoon for Neilson’s side.
Livingston uncharacteristically lacked energy in the Tynecastle sun, with Hearts enjoying sustained spells of possession.
Simms had a shot beaten away by Max Stryjek before Craig Halkett’s back-post effort was deflected into the side netting.
Livingston did conjure up a decent chance in first-half stoppage-time but Jack Fitzwater, connecting with Alan Forrest’s free-kick, sent his diving header wide.
The visitors were more aggressive in their approach in the final third at the start of the second half as they started to at least ask questions of the Hearts defence.
Forrest had a powerful drive repelled by Craig Gordon. But any hopes of pulling themselves level were dashed when McKay struck a stunning volley into the net in the 58th minute.
Atkinson picked out the forward with a cross and McKay wrapped his foot around the ball to curl a sublime strike into the top corner.
Tynecastle roared as stadium announcer Scott Wilson reminded the home fans that it was McKay’s first goal for the club.
Martindale, whose side slipped to sixth in the top flight, did not hold back when summing up his team’s performance.
‘Hearts deserved the three points,’ he conceded. ‘In the first half, we were very lethargic, too passive, we gave them too much respect and we were playing as individuals today.
‘We had worked on it but we didn’t deal with it very well in the first half. We were fortunate to be only one goal down in the first half.’
Martindale revealed that Bruce Anderson might not play again this season after the striker picked up an ankle injury in training.
He said: ‘Brucie will be long term, six weeks plus. We will be lucky to see him again this season.
‘There has been a massive improvement and he looks as if he’ll be a quick healer. But best-case scenario, you are looking at six weeks. More probably about eight.’ HEARTS (4-4-2): Gordon; Atkinson (Moore 82), Halkett, Kingsley, Halliday (Sibbick 82); McEneff (Ginnelly 69), Haring, Baningime (Cochrane 36), McKay (Woodburn 82); Boyce, Simms Subs not used: Stewart, Tait LIVINGSTON (4-2-3-1): Stryjek; Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Penrice (Lewis 74); Holt, Omeonga (Kelly 63); Bailey (Chukwuemeka 63), Pittman (Shinnie 74), Forrest (Soto 63); Nouble. Subs not used: Konovalov, Longridge, Montano, Byes, Booked: Omeonga, Nouble, Holt, Devlin. Referee: Euan Anderson. Attendance: 17,957