How Hearts' talisman Jamie Walker showed flashes of his former self in win at Morton

Amid the decaying surroundings at Cappielow Park, one Hearts player appeared to be in tip-top condition.

Jamie Walker scored both Hearts goals at Morton.

Jamie Walker played like his lethal old self again with both goals in the 2-0 win at Morton. Supporters of the Edinburgh club must hope his form continues over the coming weeks to drive their title challenge and aid Scottish Cup final hopes.

Walker lined up on the left of a front three which included Craig Wighton at centre-forward and Steven Naismith on the right. He scored once in each half with a volley and a solo effort to propel his team back top of the Championship table.

If Cappielow’s wooden main stand and rusting ironworks are a reminder of difficulties outwith the Premiership, Hearts made light of it. They commanded much of the play in Greenock after a shock Betfred Cup loss at Alloa the previous week.

“I’m delighted. Going into the start of the season I always pride myself on scoring goals,” said Walker. “I haven’t scored since Inverness in the first Betfred game when I scored the penalty, so I’m delighted to get two and an important three points at a hard place to come.

“Last week was very disappointing, my performance personally and the team performance. I go into every game priding myself on goals and assists.

“My first one, I kind of just hit it into the ground. I had a few shots before that that I caught quite sweet and the keeper saved it. That one I’ve mishit but it’s gone into the net.”

Headlines rightly belonged to Walker but a catalyst for Hearts’ success was a subtle tactical change by manager Robbie Neilson. Midway through the first half, he moved Andy Irving into the centre of his midfield three with Andy Halliday moving to the left.

Neilson endured criticism after the Alloa defeat but was rewarded for his foresight on Saturday as Irving immediately began dictating play. His crossfield pass was chested down by Walker before the winger meandered into Morton’s penalty box to score his second.

“It’s brilliant having Andy in the team. He always tries to get on the ball,” said Walker. “He’ll never hide and he’ll always look for a pass. His quality is very good and it was a great pass for the second goal.”

It could have been three or four but for the Morton goalkeeper Aidan McAdams. He saved brilliantly from Wighton and Olly Lee and drew praise from his manager, David Hopkin.

“It was two fantastic saves – the one from Wighton’s volley and then the one he tipped on to the bar. He’s only 21 and every week he’s getting better, stronger and fitter,” said Hopkin.

While Morton must dust themselves off, Hearts now want to increase momentum for the cup final.

“We’ve got another game next week against Queen of the South first. The most important one is the league and then we’ll take care of the cup final after that,” said Walker, who lost the 2013 League Cup final with Hearts.

“That’s my only regret in football, losing that game. I was quite young and I thought I’d get there again quickly, but it’s been seven years. So this is a big game and I’m looking forward to it, but it’s about Queen of the South first.”

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