Robbie Neilson reacts to Hearts' 6-0 win over Alloa and singles out one man for special mention

Robbie Neilson hailed his Hearts team for recording their biggest league win of the season after thumping Alloa 6-0 and moving even closer to winning the Championship title.
Robbie Neilson's Hearts team were convincing 6-0 winners over Alloa.Robbie Neilson's Hearts team were convincing 6-0 winners over Alloa.
Robbie Neilson's Hearts team were convincing 6-0 winners over Alloa.

Liam Boyce bagged a hat-trick, while there were goals for Euan Henderson, Aaron McEneff – his first in a Hearts shirt – and Jamie Walker as the Jambos moved 14 points clear at the summit.

They will be crowned champions on Saturday evening if both Dundee and Raith Rovers fail to beat Morton and Arbroath respectively. With Hearts inactive until April 20 when they face Morton away, the likelihood is that their coronation will come whilst idle.

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“I was pleased to get the three points and that’s us 14 points clear so hopefully that’s good enough to keep me in a job until Monday,” said Neilson, who has been under pressure due to recent results and performances, with a smile.

“What happens on Saturday happens, we’ve got a game in ten day’s time we’ve got to prepare for down at Morton, whether that’s to get over the line or whether it’s already done we’ll wait and see.

“I’m down at the Queen of the South game, Lee McCulloch is up at Dundee and Gordon Forrest is at Raith Rovers so we’ll be all over the place taking the games in as we always do.”

“I’m just delighted to get back to winning ways. We’ve always had belief in the team. We’ve had a wee sticky period. You have to take the flak that comes with it. It’s understandable when you’re at Hearts. Were sitting in a good position and it’s now about getting over the line.”

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Asked if he will have the champagne on ice in case they are crowned tomorrow, Neilson retorted: “It’s Cava in the Championship. We’ll wait and see how it goes over the weekend.”

Neilson gave John Souttar his first start in a Hearts shirt for 405 days after the defender battled back from an Achilles injury and the manager said of his return: “The big one for me was getting John Souttar back.

“John has been out for a long time and had a real difficult period and you can see the quality he brings to the team, he’s assured in defence and his quality on the ball is top level.”

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