Kingsley hails young Neilson for mature display in Riga

STEPHEN KINGSLEY insists Lewis

Neilson delivered a performance that belied his tender years after helping Hearts collect a clean sheet in their crucial European win over Rigas FS on Thursday.

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson turned to his namesake instead of the more experienced Toby Sibbick after Craig Halkett was forced off after only 22 minutes with a recurrence of a persistent hamstring injury.

After a shaky start, Neilson grew into the 2-0 Europa Conference League group victory in Latvia.

As well as exhibiting great positional sense to make a number of timely interceptions, the 19-year-old demonstrated an assuredness on the ball and began the counter-attack that led to Alan Forrest scoring the second goal.

Kingsley was disappointed to see centrehalf partner Halkett suffer another set-back in his first game following a month out, but admits Neilson is a capable deputy.

Ahead of today’s Premiership outing at Motherwell, Kingsley said: ‘I’m devastated for Halks. He’s got another little niggle but hopefully it’s not too bad.

‘I must admit, though, I thought Lewis did well coming on that early in the game. I thought he dealt well with the pressure, made some great interceptions and kept the ball really well.

‘Even taking age out of the equation, coming on in a game after 20-odd minutes is always difficult. Coming away from home against the size of the RFS boys, when you are 19 years old, it’s tough. He stood up and did well.’

Kingsley admits the enforced changes at the back, with Kye Rowles also sidelined with a broken foot, has not helped as Hearts have struggled to build any momentum.

‘It’s difficult for the manager having to pick the team with all these injuries,’ he added. ‘It’s difficult having that kind of inconsistency in your back line.

‘I don’t know how many centre-half partnerships I’ve had this season but that’s just the way it is.’