Robbie Neilson explains why Liam Boyce will stay on Hearts penalties despite 'double miss'
Liam Boyce will continue taking penalties for Hearts despite failing to convert twice in the 3-0 win against Alloa.
Manager Robbie Neilson pointed out that the striker scored from the spot when it mattered to knock Hibs out of the Scottish Cup, and backed him to score the Edinburgh club’s next penalty.
Goals from Michael Smith, Andy Halliday and Peter Haring had Hearts 3-0 ahead and cruising against Alloa at Tynecastle Park.
They won a penalty midway through the second half when Boyce was fouled by visiting defender Liam Dick.
The Northern Irishman’s first attempt was saved by the Alloa goalkeeper Neil Parry down low to his left. When referee Grant Irvine ordered a retake, Boyce stepped forward again only to send the ball skimming off the top of the crossbar.
Neilson offered the player his full backiing afterwards. “He’ll be staying on penalties. You can miss them when you’re 3-0 up, it’s when it’s 1-1 in a derby, a Scottish Cup semi-final, that the big dogs turn up,” said Neilson.
“That’s what he did, so he’ll be staying on them for next time.”
Hearts play Alloa against on Saturday in the last 16 of the Betfred Cup at the Indodrill Stadium.
“I have told the players tonight that it will be a different game on Saturday on the astro at their place. It will be night and day compared to here,” added Neilson.
“Going to Alloa on Saturday will be a completely different test and we will have to find a way to win it. Alloa will be up for it after losing here tonight and at the Indrodril will present us a different challenge.
“I was pleased with the first 45 minutes, we pressed the game really well. We passed it better at Dunfermline but pressed it better tonight and that pleased me a lot.
“There were loads of positives to take, Peter Haring was very good and I’m happy for him because he’s still getting up to speed.
“And it was good to get Christophe Berra back. He has a huge role to play here, he brings physicality and he is a talker which you need.”