Hearts fans react to starting XI as Robbie Neilson explains what he wants from his team

Robbie Neilson wants his side to be more aggressive with the ball. Picture: SNS

The league leaders dropped points in their last outing at Queen of the South, drawing 1-1.

Neilson felt his players were taking too many touches and were waiting for a team-mate to drive the team forward.

The Hearts boss wants all his players to take responsibility.

He said: "I hope we can put on a better performance, we dominated a lot of possession but we were slow and took an extra two, three touches and were not aggressive enough in possession.

"It’s something we spoke about after the game and in the analysis on Monday morning and we’ve worked on this week. Yes we have to dominate possession in these games but we have to be more aggressive with it.

"I think everyone has the responsibility to win the game for the team, whether that be a centre half who blocks a tackle or a striker, a midfielder - everyone should go that extra yard to push for the win.

"I felt on Friday night we were waiting for someone else to go and take the lead and win the game for us and it probably wasn’t for the last ten, 15 minutes that we upped the gears again and got the goal.”

‘Pretty much as expected’

Neilson has made two changes from the side which drew against Queen of the South with Steven Naismith and Aaron McEneff – his first start for the club – replacing Jamie Walker and Andy Irving.

Hearts fans have been having their say on the team selection.

@TalkinTynie: “Would have had Walker in for Naisy at 10. Naismith slows down the tempo too much to play there anymore, either plays up front or not at all.

@Amoruso1998: “Would like this team to be set up in 4-4-2 shape. This way Naismith does not drop too deep and slow down the pace of the game. Some will question Irving not starting but difficult to argue with long winded renewal talks.”

@scottstevenson_: “Other than Naismith starting, pretty much the team I expected. Irving out for McEneff makes sense. A lot of pressure on Irving with the way we play, a wee break after a dip in form will hopefully help him.”