There were certainly plenty of positives to take from Hearts’ win over St Johnstone.
To top the lot was Jake Mulraney’s performance in the unfamiliar role of wing-back.
Plenty of pros from the St Johnstone win
The Jambos bounced back from what looked to be a damaging defeat to Dundee. John Souttar completed his first 90 minutes since his hip injury, grabbing the assist for the opening goal.
Michael Smith was immense in the sweeper role the fans have become accustomed to seeing from time to time. Academy graduates grabbed both goals and Foundation of Hearts Day paid recognition to the loyal and giving fans.
And yet, the one that caught the eye the most was Jake Mulraney’s excellent performance. His best so far in a maroon shirt. That was certainly the thought of Craig Levein, who spoke to Edinburgh Evening News regarding the Irishman’s performance.
“Jake is still young and developing,” commented the Hearts manager.
“It’s easy to forget that he was at Queens Park Rangers and Inverness before he came here, but he didn’t play at QPR. This is his first real experience of a big club and he is getting used to it. It takes time to adjust.
“Some players come to a club like this and can’t handle it. Jake has been working hard and I was pleased with him on Saturday. He played a wing-back role for us and I thought his crossing was better.
“I felt it was a good all-round team performance and I thought we controlled the game against St Johnstone. I was pleased to see Jake play a part in that. He can be a useful player for us if he finds that consistency.”
Mulraney must push on
Mulraney’s often unfairly used as a scapegoat when coming on as a substitute and criticism has been harsh so early into his Hearts career. He must build on this, continue to give his all and then the Hearts fans can’t have any complaints.
Tynecastle can be a great place to play for any player but equally, if you aren’t meeting the fans’ demands, they can turn on you in an instant. There’s high demands at Hearts but hopefully Mulraney can kick on with the likes of Sean Clare and prove they deserve to play their club football in the Scottish capital.