Neil Critchley has had an unbeaten start to life in charge of Hearts after yesterday’s derby draw with Hibs.
The Englishman saw his side turn on the style in his first two matches with impressive wins over St Mirren in the Premiership and Omonia Nicosia in the Conference League.
They headed into yesterday’s capital clash with some renewed confidence from that and also from leapfrogging the Hibees at the bottom of the table.
But they were unable to replicate the first two performances as David Gray’s side frustrated them and almost took the bragging rights, but for a late equaliser from young James Wilson.
Michael Stewart says Hearts need transfer reinforcements
A main criticism of the Hearts team has been a lack of pace and attacking threat.
While that wasn’t evident in the last two games it came to the fore again yesterday. Blair Spittal and Yan Dhanda are not traditional wide men but operated almost as inverted wingers, with a shortage of other options.
That relies on attacking width from the full-back areas and pundit Michael Stewart feels that doesn’t suit Daniel Oyegoke.
The former Jambos captain said: “The way the second half unfolded and losing such a late goal, Hibs are going to be feeling the worse of the two sides. Hearts will be coming away on the back of the two wins Neil Critchley has picked up feeling positive and that they’re progressing along.
“But for Neil Critchley it’s about trying to get through to January and getting some much needed reinforcements into the side because there’s only so much you can do in a structural sense without getting reinforcements in.
“Having said all that, I would like to think that he recognises that you can’t continue to play that style with the personnel they’ve got.
“You look at the difference (Alan) Forrest made when he came on and with the greatest of respect to Forrest, he’s a good player but it’s not somebody that’s got blistering pace, it’s not somebody that’s got wonderful technique. But you can see the balance it brings to the team.
“I would imagine that it’s something it needs to be looked at.”
Stewart highlighted Kenneth Vargas as a current member of the squad who is not producing the goods.
He also insists there would be plenty of better options in this country instead of going to the likes of Costa Rica to recruit these players.
“Vargas, I just despair,” he said. “This strikes at the heart of a lot of the things that go on at any club. You go and recruit players from other parts of the world and you bring them in.
“He’s got a five year contract and what’s his strengths? He’s got a bit of pace, he runs about, his movement is okay. He’s got no end product.
“I would guarantee you there is more effective players in this country right now you could be giving an opportunity to.”
Scott Allan on Hearts’ January transfer plans
Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan agrees with his fellow pundit on the deficiencies in the squad. And he thinks Critchley will be looking to recruit full-backs in January.
He added: “He’s obviously come in and it’s been a good start, two wins and draw away to Hibs isn’t the worst result. But I think he was maybe expecting a bit more from his side today.
“When you are playing with the two number 10s, to really get the benefit of that you need two flying full-backs.
“Hearts don’t have that profile of player in the full-back area so that will be something he’ll look to add come January.”