Hearts manager Craig Levein recently confirmed that Peter Haring’s injury problems will force him into the transfer market. Before he does this, he should take stock of what Hearts youngster Andy Irving has to offer.
The midfielder was brilliant for Hearts in Betfred Cup action against Dundee United, even though he got sent off late on.
He operated in the Haring midfield role, breaking up play and linking midfield to attack on occasion too.
Irving marked his first Tynecastle start with an excellent volley to level the scoring. The Jambos eventually drew 1-1 with their Championship opponents, but even after seeing red, Irving was still one of the main highlights for Hearts from the League Cup opener.
Irving can perform for Hearts now
Of course Levein will need another midfielder. It would be unfair to put the full responsibility of covering for Haring on the young Jambos youngster’s shoulders.
What should happen though is Levein giving Irving the chance to establish himself, alongside this new midfielder that Levein will inevitably bring in.
Irving has proven he’s ready for senior football at Hearts. His battling qualities in the middle are excellent and he has decent movement and passing range too. All he needs now is minutes.
Levein should be able to give him some during the League Cup run, but he shouldn’t automatically move him from the team once a new midfielder comes in. Irving’s earned his spot in the team, he doesn’t deserve to be dragged back out it without putting much of a foot wrong, well, except from his red card.
Haring will be a big miss for the Jambos for the period he is out injured. Even though Levein wants a new midfielder, he should give Irving the chance to show can do his job consistently and effectively, before deciding on the calibre of player to bring into the Gorgie engine room.