'Souttar at the back, Boycie in attack' - Hearts fans react to John Souttar's return after 405 days

Robbie Neilson has made three changes to his Hearts side to face Alloa Athletic from the one which drew with Dunfermline Athletic last weekend.
John Souttar makes first-team appearance for first time in 405 days. Picture: SNSJohn Souttar makes first-team appearance for first time in 405 days. Picture: SNS
John Souttar makes first-team appearance for first time in 405 days. Picture: SNS

The big news is the return of John Souttar who makes his first start in 405 days, since the 1-0 win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup on February 29.

In that time, the centre back has ruptured his Achilles twice.

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He wasn’t expected to be back until pre-season but his rehabilitation has gone much better than many expected.

His return has delighted Hearts fans with the 24-year-old taking his place in a back four alongside Craig Halkett.

Michael Smith will move across to left-back with Shay Logan making his home debut on the right.

Armand Gnanduillet returns as does Andy Halliday in what will either be a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 diamond. The latter would see Henderson or Boyce at the tip with the other alongside the Frenchman.

@TheOldCastleRo1: “Souttar's starting. Great to see.”

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@grantthorburn: “After a hell of a week I was looking forward to switching off, having a couple of drinks & chilling out, that was before I remembered that the Hearts game was on this evening. Will give it until 8pm until they ruin my weekend watching football to make your eyes bleed.”

@NJJarvie: “Mad that we have went through a whole pandemic and still have Souttar at the back and Boycey in attack”

@jamieemillar: “Dunno whether to be concerned about Souttar playing or not.”

@ClaireHammond: “Welcome back wee Soutts - Godspeed!!!”

@therichardcobb: “Walker for Henderson and this would be the best team we’ve had all year.”

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@DMcIver22: “I'm obviously happy to see him… but I feel it's such an unnecessary risk to play Souttar this season. However, Haring retaining his place and Gnanduillet back into the starting line-up is good to see.”

@BJN1969: “Great to see Souttar back in the starting 11 and a bit of positive Jambo news lad deserves a slice of luck after all his injury issues.”

@mikthejambo: “Let's get this team out the way hearts, a good win tonight get the league wrapped up then we can move forward.”