Josh Ginnelly hits back at 'injury-prone' jibes as Hearts winger thanks Tynecastle support

Josh Ginnelly has hit back at fans accusing him of being “injury-prone” after the Hearts winger thanked the Tynecastle faithful for their support during his loan spell in Edinburgh.

Josh Ginnelly celebrates after scoring for Hearts against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final. Picture: SNS

The Preston North End loanee’s season is likely at an end after rupturing his hamstring in the early stages of Tuesday’s 4-0 victory over Raith Rovers. He is expected to be out for at least three months.

Though there is still a possibility he’ll be back next season with his contract at Preston expiring this summer, and Hearts recently opening talks over a permanent deal, for the meantime Ginnelly’s time in a maroon shirt appears to be at an end.

After the news was announced on Saturday evening shortly following a 1-0 win for Robbie Neilson’s side over Dunfermline Athletic, Ginnelly took to Twitter to thank the messages of support.

He wrote: “Well and truly gutted to be missing the rest of the season. Was a pleasure to wear this shirt, the focus remains the same I’m sure this team will put this club back to where it belongs. Thank you for all the messages.”

The vast majority of supporters praised the 23-year-old’s performances, including scoring in the Scottish Cup final defeat to Celtic, and implored him to sign a permanent contract. However, a few dismissed the attacker as “injury-prone”, something Ginnelly took exception to.

He added: “For all the injury prone talkers this is the first time in my career I’ve had these problems so never try and label me.”

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