'He was a genius' - Former team mate recalls Hearts legend John Robertson's overlooked and underrated talents

Ex-Hearts player Kris O’Neil remembers the qualities which made John Robertson a genius

Former Hearts forward Kris O’Neil believes John Robertson was a “genius” for reasons more than his goals for the club.

The club’s all-time leading scorer was affectionately known as the ‘Hammer of the Hibs’ for his 27 goals against the Easter Road side.

It was his prowess in front of goal that got him the headlines, plus a move to Newcastle United in 1988.

John Robertson was more than a genius for his goal. Picture: SNS

For O’Neil, who was breaking through at Hearts during Robertson’s second spell at Tynecastle, he was much more than a goalscorer and his idol.

“What can I say about this man,” he said in a YouTube interview with ‘Amoruso Let’s It Run’ recalling his best Hearts XI.

“My number one idol growing up. When I was in the crazy corner (at Tynecastle) or any away ground in the mid-late 90s, early 90s there was an anticipation every time the ball was near the opposition’s goal that Robbo would pounce and score.

“He was a magical finisher, left foot, right foot, head, stomach, back side. You name it.

“He was so dedicated on the training park, he would take the young lads running a lot and his sessions were punishing, he never neglected the hard work. People would think he was lazy but he wasn’t. He was just extremely intelligent with his work rate.

“He knew where the danger was and it wasn’t out wide, it was in the box and it’s the reason why he scored goals.”

Knowing when and where to run was something Robertson taught O’Neil, who played 13 times for Hearts between 1998 and 2000, after the stark conversation following a youth game.

“I remember he came to watch me specifically one night for the youth team,” he said. “I ran about daft, running channels, coming deep and at the end of the game I thought I had a blinder and I must have impressed him.

“He looked at me, shook his head and said: ‘Not impressed, Kris.

“It hurt me and he told me I moved too much. I scored a lot more goals after that for the youth team.”

O’Neil added: “He was a genius. My favourite goal of his was the 2-1 game at Easter Road when I think John Colquhoun took the corner. There was a flick-on and he got in front of his marker and bang! Bullet header past the helpless Hibs keeper.

“Away end went bananas.”