'Free Andy Irving' - Hearts fans bemused by midfielder's absence from starting XI

Hearts fans curious at Andy Irving's absence. Picture: SNS

Robbie Neilson has made two changes from the side which defeated the Wasps 3-0 on Tuesday at Tynecastle Park.

Irving missed the match due to a head knock sustained off the bench against Dunfermline Athletic in the league last Friday.

He takes a place on the bench with Olly Lee replacing Steven Naismith and Aidy White coming in for Jordan Roberts.

Fans have been reacting to the team line-up with plenty of feeling on Irving's absence:

@seanbaillie91: “Irving deserves better.”

@robbiejmackay: “What’s going on with the Portobello Pirlo? And why just one striker. We are playing against the team at the bottom of the league ffs. Wighton starts to play half decent and then gets dumped from the team. Wtf.”

@ConnorHMFC: “Free Andy Irving.”

@Scott_Hay_: “Maybe the rumour about Irving refusing a contract is true...”

@BrownConyn: “Irving in for me.”

@ManLikeHickey: “PLAY ANDY IRVING FFS!”

@jambodave81: “What does Irving need to do to get a start?!!!”

@keir_wee: “Would like 2 have seen Irving start instead of Lee.”

@LifeIsFootball6: “Hopefully Boyce can get back to scoring form. Strong team yet again, but still unsure about Berra. I'm hoping he can improve, but another centre back is still needed in January regardless, especially with Souttar still out. Hopefully another convincing performance. Mon the Hearts.”

@McIverTheMark: “I have absolutely zero clue what formation this is but I love the fact it's full strength. Maybe a 3-5-2 or a 4-4-2? With that lineup, I cant see how it being a 4-2-3-1.”

@Abuseumaus: “Not what I was predicting at all. Keeps Alloa - and everyone else - guessing. Walker playing a 10? Good to see White getting a start.”

@dusty_bawls51: “Boyce needs a goal today”.

@bruceyw17: “Aidy White left mid and 5 in midfield, pleased to announce the Hearts banter years don’t see any sign of stopping soon.”

@ThisMyStoryPod: “Kingsley Berra Halkett at the back? Smith and White as wing backs? Walker behind Boyce with walker and Lee wider with haring sitting?? Looks like 3511 to me.”