Robbie Neilson issues strong message to Hearts players after Hibs semi-final win

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson has advised players to refocus on winning the Championship title after their euphoric Scottish Cup semi-final win against Hibs.

Robbie Neilson is pointing Hearts in the direction of league business.

The Edinburgh club return to league business this Saturday when Inverness Caledonian Thistle visit Tynecastle Park, and Neilson insisted another win is vital.

Hearts have a 100 per cent record in all competitions since starting their competitive season a month ago.

Neilson wants that statistic to continue, telling his squad to move on from beating Hibs and prioritise this weekend’s assignment.

“The Hibs game is done and dusted. We now need to make sure we win against Inverness on Saturday,” he told the Evening News.

“We need to get back to the reality of the league and put the semi to bed. It was great and I imagine everybody had a night of celebration and enjoyment but now it's back down to business.

“Our objective is to win the league so it's important we get back to that. We've won the first two games but we need to make sure we win on Saturday. The players will be well aware of that.”

Jamie Walker and Andy Halliday are both expected to feature despite being taken off during the semi-final.

“I think the goalie followed through on Walker and caught him in the stomach. It was just a kick so he is fine,” added Neilson.

“Halliday got a head knock and was already struggling with cramp, but he's fine. He hadn't done any pre-season at all so the plan was always to take him off anyway.

“Both of them will be fine for this week.”

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