Kingsley is running out of partners, but Lewis is an able one
Hearts defender, Stephen Kingsley, insists Lewis Neilson can be proud of his display in the crucial European win over Riga FS last Thursday, insisting that he played beyond his tender years.
Manager Robbie Neilson chose him ahead 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-yearold demonstrated an assuredness on the ball, as evidenced when he began the counter-attack that led to Alan Forrest scoring the second goal in injury-time.
Kingsley was deflated to see Halkett suffer another set-back in his first game back following a monthlong absence.
“I’m devastated for Halks,” said Kingsley. “He’s got another little niggle but hopefully it’s not too bad.
“But Lewis did well coming on that early in the game. I thought he dealt well with the pressure, especially on the ball.
“He made some great interceptions, and kept the ball really well for us, so all credit to him.
“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 just 19 is going to be tough, but I felt he stood up and did well.”
Kingsley admits the enforced chopping and changing at the back, with Kyle Rowles also currently sidelined with a broken foot, has not helped Hearts build any kind of momentum.
“It’s difficult for everyone, and for the manager having to pick the team with all these injuries,” added the former Falkirk, Swansea City and Hull City defender.
“You don’t like 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 due to injuries.”
But the Jambos will be feeling better about themselves after registering their first Group A points in Riga to go second ahead of the reigning Latvian champions, and Fiorentina.
Istanbul Basaksehir, who won 4-0 at Tynecastle, look like they will run away with the group, and Hearts face Fiorentina in a double header in Europe next.
“We need to take the positives and learn from Thursday,” said Kingsley.
“Fiorentina will be a massive challenge. But we know we can compete if we are on it. If we do that, we’ve got every
chance.”