Gary Mackay-Steven in amusing sitter quip as Hearts celebrate match-winning pass

Gary Mackay-Steven missed a sitter before laying on what proved to be the clinching goal in the win over Dundee. Picture: SNS

The Jam Tarts were leading 1-0 at Tynecastle Park when Armand Gnanduillet’s deflected shot fell to the attacker in the six-yard box.

Mackay-Steven was presented with an open goal but failed to get the right connection on the effort and directed it straight into the grateful hands of Jack Hamilton.

The player’s reaction said it all as he looked to the heavens and hid his face behind his hands.

However, he diDn’t let it define his match and produced what proved to be a key contribution in the match just before the hour mark. Collecting the ball on his chest just inside the Dundee half, he turned, evaded Christie Elliott and delivered a perfect pass, missing three opponents, straight to Gnanduillet’s feet.

The Frenchman’s first effort was blocked by Hamilton but reacted quickly enough to turn in the rebound.

Hearts made note of the Mackay-Steven pass on their social media channels with the clip, and the player had his say on it.

He replied on Instagram: “Almost as good as my goal line clearance for Dundee.”

Mackay-Steven has struggled to make an impact after joining halfway through the season after the end of the MLS campaign last year.

On Saturday he put in his most productive performance of the season at the tip of the diamond behind two strikers.

On the formation, Robbie Neilson said: “We just felt that a diamond was best to play against them, also because of our personnel. I was pleased with it.”