Gary Mackay: Andy Irving doing everything right to get a new Hearts contract

Although Hearts are looking to sign another midfielder this month, it’s enjoyable watching the healthy competition in that department right now.

Andy Irving is out of contract at Hearts this summer.

Olly Lee has gone to Gillingham with everyone’s best wishes, leaving Andy Halliday, Peter Haring, Andy Irving, Jamie Walker and Steven Naismith competing for starting roles.

Haring and Naismith didn’t get on the pitch at Alloa on Saturday but again young Irving stood out, and not only because of his excellent goal.

As everyone knows, he is out of contract soon and this is where every player is different. Some will keep performing to a high level because they’re playing in the first team and their contract won’t be that much of an issue.

If it’s something Andy wants to get pushed through, then you would hope to see it get done because I think we can all see the potential in the lad.

All credit to him so far. He knows we are interested in keeping him, he knows he is out of contract in the summer but he is performing to a level that the manager is pleased with.

At any club, the manager is always the most important person to please. That’s why young Irving is playing in the team week in and week out at the moment.

Because some players can drop from more advanced positions into midfield, like Naismith and Walker, there is competition in the middle of the park. That will ultimately bring out the best in the guys in that department.

Andy said after the game at Alloa that he wants to continue learning and developing. He has had a run of games in the team because, since the Morton match, he has performed to a standard that means he deserves to be in the team every week.

He’s got that youthful exuberance, he’s enthusiastic and he brings a freshness to the team. It’s up to the other more experienced guys to respond to that. They have to make sure they are ready if Andy’s form should dip at any point.

Hearts will be hoping that doesn’t happen, therefore it would be up to all the other midfielders to fight and compete to play beside him.

A message from the Editor: Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.