Jambo’s real Mckay finally makes his mark
Baningime (3), Mckay (58) LIVINGSTON 0 Robbie Neilson admits Hearts are lucky to have Barrie Mckay after watching the winger finally open his account for the club with a stunning volley in the 2-0 victory over Livingston.
Mckay – who moved to Tynecastle from Swansea last summer – swept a sublime effort into the top corner in the 58th minute to seal the win after Beni Baningime gave Hearts an early lead.
Despite his lack of goals, Mckay has been one of the team’s outstanding performers as Neilson’s side move closer to confirming third place in the Premiership having also chipped in with eight league assists.
“The goal has been coming for Barrie for a while,” said manager Neilson, whose team are now 14 points clear of fourth place Dundee United.
“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.
“I was behind it and when it left his boot, I thought it was going for the top corner.
“Hopefully that might open the floodgates for him.”
The delight over the win and Mckay’s strike was tempered by the sight of Baningime being forced off with a knee problem in the first half.
The former Everton player was later seen using crutches as he took his seat behind the Hearts dugout.
“We will just need to see how Beni is,” said Neilson. “It’s his knee and he had that problem earlier in the season for a while.
“We will just need to see how he is. It was disappointing but there is no point worrying about it.”
Aaron Mceneff’s reward for making a telling contribution – namely a goal and an assist – in last weekend’s Scottish Cup win over St Mirren was a rare starting berth yesterday.
Hearts scored four times in that game and were up and running after just three minutes yesterday.
Ellis Simms’ cross to Nat Atkinson triggered panic in the six yard box and the ball fell kindly for Baningime, who stabbed home from close range.
That set the tone for what proved to be a comfortable afternoon for Neilson’s side.
Unusually, Livingston lacked
energy in the Tynecastle sun, with Hearts enjoying sustained spells of possession and territorial advantage.
Simms had a shot beaten away by Max Stryjek at what was a good height for the goalkeeper before Craig Halkett’s back post effort was deflected into the side netting.
Livingston did conjure up a decent chance in first half injury time but Jack Fitzwater, connecting with Alan Forrest’s free kick, sent his diving header wide at the back post.
Livingston 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.
Alan Forrest had a powerful drive repelled by Scotland No.1 Craig Gordon.
But any hopes of pulling themselves level was dashed when Mckay struck a stunning volley into the net in the 58th minute.
Atkinson picked out the forward with a delicate cross and Mckay wrapped his foot around the ball to curl an exquisite strike into the top corner.
Tynecastle roared as stadium announcer Scott Wilson reminded the home fans it was Mckay’s first goal for the club.
Before the end Hearts keeper Craig Gordon pulled off a fine stop to deny Livingston sub Andrew Shinnie.