Hearts V Ross County at Tynecastle Stadium : Match Preview

23 October 2015 17:01
Hearts V Ross County - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Robbie Neilson backs Jordan McGhee to become impressive centre-back with Hearts

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson believes Jordan McGhee can develop into a central defender for the Gorgie club - but claims his size will determine whether he can do the same in England.

The 19-year-old is over 6ft tall and helped Hearts to a 1-0 win at Dundee United last week at right-back, where he has played most of his first-team football.

With Callum Paterson back from suspension, McGhee is not assured of keeping his place for the Ladbrokes Premiership game against Ross County on Saturday, but the teenager is eager to get regular football and is sure he can play at centre-back.

"I got brought up there playing as a youngster through the club youth ranks," the Scotland Under-21 international said.

"I have played about three games at centre-back in three years in the first team.

"It's not great for my development but obviously playing other positions in the first team is really good. The next stage is to play centre-back and hold down a position there.

"I don't see why not. I feel as if I'm good enough, I feel strong enough, mentally strong enough and confident in my own ability.

"I just need to bide my time and I'm sure I'll take my chance when it comes.

"The other week I played against probably an B#8million striker who is arguably twice the size of most strikers in Scotland against France Under-21s.

"If I'm capable of that against them, then I'm sure I'm capable of doing that."

Hearts are optimistic that left-back Juwon Oshaniwa (hamstring) and midfielder Miguel Pallardo (calf) will shake off the minor problems.

Right-back Paterson returns from a ban but forward Gavin Reilly is still suspended. Defender Alim Ozturk (hernia) remains out while striker Soufian El Hassnaoui (knee) is not ready for a first-team comeback although he has played for the under-20s.

Ross County midfielder Martin Woods could return after he resumed training on Monday following a knee injury.

Goalkeeper Scott Fox (ankle) and midfielder Rocco Quinn (hamstring) remain out.

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has told his team to focus on the football and not be derailed by looking for plaudits for their performances.

County can move into third spot if they beat Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday.

The Dingwall side helped knock Aberdeen off the top of the table when they beat the Dons 2-0 on Friday night

"We know we played well and we're happy with what we're doing and where we are going," boss McIntyre said.

"The biggest thing for us we have got it all to prove. We have got to do it consistently over a season and only then can we judge how good it's been.

"There's no point having a good start to the season if you then have a really poor middle and you're struggling again.

"It's all about consistency for us and taking it a game at a time."




Source: PAR