Exclusive:Hearts' brilliant signing hailed by club management

Only a month has passed since Oisin McEntee landed awkwardly on his shoulder playing for Hearts at Ibrox. The injury was not major but kept him out of subsequent fixtures against Falkirk and Aberdeen. His absence was minimised by successive 1-0 wins, however there is no doubting the importance of his return to action.

The versatile Irishman is on course to be available for Hearts’ trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday evening after resuming full training at Riccarton. Many Scottish Premiership players will tell you that his combative edge, physical presence and energy make him difficult to contain - whether he plays right-back or midfield. ‘Big Mac’ lacks nothing in appetite and is ready to start eating opponents for breakfast again.

No-one need remind the Hearts head coach Derek McInnes of McEntee’s worth. Signed for free last summer from the relative obscurity of English League Two side Walsall, the 25-year-old is now an integral part of the team at Tynecastle Park. When fit, he plays. Full-back is where he has been used most often in his 28 Hearts appearances to date. He is a central midfielder to trade and has played there a few times in maroon, plus a couple of outings wide on the right.

McEntee worked to his usual reliable standard in all of those. He is a steady seven-out-of-10 performer in every game, save for the odd eight or nine, and is the type of guy you can hang your maroon hat on. “I think every team needs that type of player,” McInnes told the Edinburgh News.

“Oisin has filled in for us in so many positions and he has always done well. For me, he is a key member of our team and his impact on the team has been clear wherever we have asked him to play. He is such an important player. He is probably one of those players opposition managers look at and see the true value of when they watch us. I think Oisin has been a brilliant signing.”

McEntee’s most telling contribution to Hearts’ Premiership title challenge was a stunning headed goal in December’s 2-1 victory over Celtic in Glasgow. While the Portuguese forward Claudio Braga and Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis appeal to fans with their flair and panache, McEntee’s steady influence gives the management team a good degree of comfort.

“There has been a lot made of the summer signings like Braga and Kyzi and people like that, and rightly so, but I think McEntee has been terrific for us,” added McInnes. “We are always grateful when he is available. He makes a lot of contact and, considering how he plays the game, it's good he hasn't picked up too many injuries. Thankfully, he will be back for the weekend. You feel a bit of comfort when Oisin is available. I think he is that type of player. There have been numerous players like that for me over the years.”