Hearts shown two positions that could be signed after Chesnokov as Hibs vs Celtic red card debate assessed
Hearts and Hibs’ weekend action has been assessed by a prominent pundit.
Michael Stewart reckons there are two areas Hearts will look at in January - as the former midfielder weighed in on a Hibs vs Celtic red card incident.
The ex-Hearts and Hibs man has watched on over Derek McInnes’ Jambos ascending to the top of the Premiership heading into December amid an impressive term so far. They face Kilmarnock midweek then take on a huge clash at second-place Celtic this Sunday, having won one out of their last five, heading into the Killie match.
A 0-0 draw with Motherwell brought more dropped points but Stewart reckons the arrival of Islam Chesnokov on the flank next month will be a major boost. He also feels that a right-back arrival in January would be key, as well as an addition in midfield, amid injuries to Ageu and Beni Baningime.
Michael Stewart on Hearts transfer business
Stewart told Premier Sports Social Club: “In terms of as an attacking force, definitely just looks like it's off slightly. I've gone on about this all season long, the right side is a major issue for Hearts, in terms of it's been makeshift and they've done very well to get through to this period of the season without it being a bigger problem. Oisin McEntee’s done a great job filling in there but that's not his position for me.
“Then obviously right midfield is an even bigger issue, because they don't really have anyone that's nailed that down. In centre midfield, I've always felt the need to strengthen there. Ageu came in but he's been one injury after another, and Baningime is injured now as well. They've got a massive game coming up on Wednesday at home against Kilmarnock and they have to get three points, I mean that's just a given. They've got to get three points just to get a little bit of the feel-good factor back.
“January can’t come round quick enough with regards to Chesnokov coming in, and they need to go and recruit a right-back, and possibly a centre midfielder depending on what the situation is with Baningime. But if they're able to get a right-back, it could free up McEntee to maybe go into the middle of the park. But they're the key areas that they've got to look at.”
Could Celtic have had red card vs Hibs?
Meanwhile, Stewart reckons Celtic’s Colby Donovan marginally missed a red card in Hibs’ 2-1 loss against the champions. The right-back went flying into a challenge on Easter Road defender Jordan Obita and debate has stemmed on whether or not the yellow card offence warranted a red. Stewart said: “I think if he'd been shown a red, I don't think there's any doubt and there's no way VAR are overturning that, no chance.
“I think that's right on the borderline, I've got to say, you know what probably saves him? It's the fact that Jordan Obita’s right foot is just off the ground and he's motioning to move, so he catches his foot. If Jordan Obita's right leg is planted, and it's his left leg that's moving forward, that's a potential leg breaker and it would be 100% a red card.
“It's not a shocker because I think it's borderline. Had he been shown the red card, I don't think there's any way that that was getting overturned. It's forceful, he flies into it, and it could easily have been a red. If I was to be put on the spot, what I think the right decision is? I think it's probably just the yellow for the reasons that I just gave you.”