SPFL boss brands Hearts star 'the quickest player I've ever seen' as rapid Jambo branded 'different level'
The Hearts star made a big impact during the Premier Sports Cup clash.
Marvin Bartley admits Hearts’ Rogers Mato may be the quickest player he’s ever witnessed after the Ugandan’s pace left Stenhousemuir flat on their heels.
The forward scored in an impressive Jambos display during Friday night’s 3-0 Premier Sports Cup quarter-final win over the Championship leaders. His pace was on full display as countless runs were made behind the Warriors defence at Ochilview as Mato aimed to show head coach Wouter Vrancken why he merits more starts.
Hibs hero Bartley worked with Martin Boyle at Easter Road but the Stenhousemuir head coach admits even the Australian international’s pace may not compare to Mato. He said: “The second goal is really disappointing form our point of view. We've got a chance to play it first time but as soon as the ball is turned over, they're so athletic. I think Mato is the quickest player I've ever seen. I used to think Martin Boyle was fast, but wow!"
Stenhousemuir on Rogers Mato
Bartley added: “We turned up against a really, really good team. They punished us when we made mistakes. Mato on the left-hand side for them was fantastic. He is a top player with lots of pace. Hearts are a really well coached team, they are athletic, but also have ball players in there as well. The balance they have is really good.
“I just wanted us to get to half time 1-0 down. We could then regroup. But that's the pressure of playing such a good team, it goes to 2-0 and that made the next goal even more massive. I'm just filled with pride and buzzing for the players to reach the quarter finals.”
Striker JJ Williams scored and assisted on the night and Hearts’ summer import is also stunned by Mato’s pace. He said: “I’ve played with some guys who are pretty quick but his pace is a different level. A big part of it is the chemistry so when you do get past the back line, it’s about being as efficient as possible.
Rogers Mato on Hearts win vs Stenhousemuir
“Whenever you have pace like that - and we have that all over the field - I just had to put the ball in, it was sitting on a platter for me. My team-mates put me in some great positions so all thanks goes to them.”
Mato told the Evening News of the victory over Stenhousemuir: “I think the top league in Scotland is a bit different because the players are professional players who are technically gifted, technically and physically. Yeah, I think it's a bit different from this one, from playing, yeah. I felt the control the moment I stepped on the pitch because I needed the confidence to keep on going, take on the 1v1s, because it's all what we need to do to get that confidence to boost our immune to keep going.”