Exclusive:Blair Spittal pushing for a Hearts start against Motherwell as Derek McInnes explains signing attempts
Tynecastle midfielder has turned games against Hibs and Rangers
Blair Spittal is pushing for a place in Hearts’ starting line-up at Motherwell after two impressive substitute outings in the last two games. After scoring the winning goal against Hibs at Easter Road, Spittal helped Hearts overturn a 1-0 deficit to beat Rangers 2-1 in the second half at Tynecastle Park on Monday.
He could make the first XI for Saturday’s crucial Premiership visit to Fir Park, with the Edinburgh club seeking three more points in the title race. The Hearts head coach Derek McInnes told the Edinburgh News that he is impressed with Spittal’s input, and praised him for his professionalism throughout the season. The 30-year-old midfielder has made 25 appearances so far this term, the majority as a substitute.
“A few players have come to the fore recently but Spittal has been available for every game this season. He has more than played his part in the last couple of games. I take a lot of pleasure seeing how much credit and recognition he’s getting,” said McInnes, who explained how he tried to sign Spittal from Motherwell whilst managing Kilmarnock.
“When Blair signed for Hearts, I tried to take him to Kilmarnock. I thought: ‘That’s a boy who deserves a chance at a club like Hearts.’ Although I was disappointed I couldn’t get him to Kilmarnock, I actually thought he had earned the right to get a move here. I noticed from day one when I came here that he is technically very sound and is very popular.
“It’s good for him to have these moments like the one at Easter Road, which is brilliant for him and his career. He will be remembered for that. He also had an impact on Monday’s game and there have been others like that - [Michael] Steinwender, [Landry] Kabore, [Sabah] Kerjota, [Stephen] Kingsley. Marc Leonard has helped us with Cammy Devlin’s injuries, plus Jamie McCart and Frankie Kent have come in at times. It’s a total squad thing.
“Everybody feels valued. We look at every game and we look at training. Blair has done himself no harm. We’ve had that a lot this season where subs have come in and got to the pace of the game. A lot of the time, the questions after games mention the guys who come on. Blair is one of them who has done well.”
Spittal’s personality makes him a popular player in the Riccarton dressing room, where he is often joking and enjoying the camaraderie. “I’m always drawn to players with personality. You don’t get to Hearts without being a good player. Of course he is a good player who knows the league,” said McInnes. “I like players to show personality. I like humour, being a good team-mate. You need that in a dressing room.
“Not everybody can be a Blair Spittal and not everybody can be quiet. His contribution on the pitch is technically sound. He handles the ball well with left foot and right foot, he takes responsibility and he’s got that final shot, cross or pass in him. Throughout his career, Blair has always done his best work in the final third. At Hearts, if we are playing with two wingers and two strikers, sometimes it’s about balance.
“What has pleased me with Blair is his ability to play against his direct opponent and his work out of possession as well. I think he has improved in that area. On that back of all that, he still retains the ability and quality to make the difference.”