Birmingham City loanee branded Hearts' new maestro as he could form new partnership for exciting title bid
The midfielder returned to Hearts on loan in the winter transfer window from Birmingham City.
He’s shone since arriving from Birmingham City - and a midfield return could see Hearts powered up in the engine room for their title race home stretch.
It was a good weekend in the Premiership for the Jambos as they defeated Aberdeen 1-0, while Rangers and Celtic drew 2-2. It means their lead at the top over second-placed Rangers is now six points with the Hoops eight back with a game in hand, and again Marc Leonard impressed in midfield at Tynecastle.
Leonard came through the academy in Gorgie before heading south to Brighton and he won the League One title at Birmingham City last season. He’s now left the Blues for Hearts amid injuries in the engine room, but with influential battler Cammy Devlin on the way back, former Jambos midfielder Michael Stewart is excited to see them link up on a hunt for silverware.
How has Marc Leonard performed at Hearts?
Stewart told Sportsound: “I knew a little bit about him before having seen him. My only concern was going to be how quickly he got up to pace and he got up to speed within half a game of football. You know, the first half against Celtic, you could tell. I mean, the game was frenetic anyway, but the second half came about and I thought he showed his quality from then on.
“It wasn't as if he was bad in the first half but you could see he was trying to catch a second wind almost. From that point on, I think he's basically nullified any negative from Cammy Devlin not being in the side.
“I think he's, and it’s no criticism on Cammy Devlin as he's a different type of player, he's got far greater passing range than Cammy Devlin. I think he reads the game very well.
Who do Hearts play next in the Premiership?
“He's not as athletic as Cammy Devlin and I'll be interested to see when Devlin comes back, I think it could be quite a good mix and a blend in there. Tomas Magnusson is somebody that's very athletic but doesn't have a huge impact in the rest of the game. I think with Cammy Devlin alongside Marc Leonard, I think that could be quite a good combination.
“When you throw Beni Baningime in there as well. It’s strong and don't forget, I mean, Blair Spittal has played on Saturday. Blair Spittal falls into that category of not as athletic, not as imposing, but technically a very good footballer. I thought he thoroughly deserved to keep his place in the side there and I thought he was good. I thought he was really good.”
It’s now a fortnight off for Hearts as they prepare for their next Premiership clash. They face Kilmarnock and Dundee before the international break later this month. Prior to the split, Hearts will also travel to Livingston and face a key home game with fourth-placed Motherwell before matches against the likes of the Old Firm and Hibs.