Aaron McEneff explains why he is dedicated to Hearts despite sub role

Midfielder Aaron McEneff was the talismanic substitute who swung the game in the Edinburgh club’s favour. He seized his moment perfectly but, in truth, might have been left on the bench if manager Robbie Neilson had a full squad to call upon.

The score sat level at 2-2 when McEneff replaced Ben Woodburn on 67 minutes. Within seconds he put Hearts 3-2 ahead, then crossed for Ellis Simms to complete a 4-2 win in an enthralling cup tie.

It would be fair to say the Irishman benefitted from injuries to other midfielders like Gary Mackay-Steven and Cammy Devlin. His introduction was the catalyst for Hearts to regain control after surrendering a 2-0 lead.

“Obviously I’ve come on on the right,” said McEneff. “We work on getting into pockets when the centre backs are on the ball. I made a double movement, Halks has played the ball and I’ve sort of followed the pass into the box and the ball has just hit off my knee and gone in the net.

“It’s just one of those things. What a feeling. You’re on the pitch and you’ve scored. I’m just glad I could help the team get through to the semi-finals.

“I honestly don’t know if I meant it, I’d need to watch it back to see if I adjusted my body or anything, but from what I remember it’s hit my knee while I’m on my stride and gone in. I couldn’t believe it.

“I scored after a minute or two for Shamrock Rovers, that was a cup semi-final too. Not like that though. The manager just said to be positive and get on the ball. Go try and effect the game, but the last thing he said was just go and enjoy it.

“When I do get on the pitch I do try effect the game, I like scoring goals. It doesn’t matter how they go again, as long as they do.”

Hearts were 2-0 ahead through Beni Baningime and Peter Haring but