Beni Baningime in honest Hearts confession as he reacts to Liam Boyce exit and Kye Rowles' expected MLS transfer

Beni Baningime admits swapping trebles for singles doesn’t cut it if Hearts are to check out of trouble and arrow in on the top half.

The Jambos had the chance to make it three wins on the spin on Sunday but Jorge Grant saw his stoppage-time spot-kick saved by Aberdeen’s Ross Doohan. Neil Critchley’s side remain second bottom of the table and yet are just five points behind Hibs in the last of the top-six slots after going four unbeaten.

Baningime said: “We shouldn’t be in the position we are in but we are. For a strange reason we are and we obviously take responsibility for that.

“We need to be turning the draws into wins, especially at the weekend when you have an opportunity like that to score in the last minute. But it’s happened. Hopefully we will turn it around and continue to turn the draws into wins to get up the table.

“I don’t believe, with the ability and talent we have in the changing room, that we should be where we are. But ultimately, that doesn’t mean anything. It’s application – applying yourself in the right way and obviously your ability will finally show.”

Grant was the Pittodrie sinner again after being sent off away to the Dons in October’s 3-2 defeat. This time, though, Hearts did not return home pointless and Baningime is adamant no one in the away dressing room was blaming him. And he insists Grant would have their full backing if and when another penalty presents itself.

The former Everton youngster said: “It’s just unfortunate it didn’t go in. I thought the keeper made a great save, that’s it really. You’re a better man than me because I wouldn’t have stepped up... nah, I’m joking!

“When a player goes up there, like Shanks (Lawrence Shankland) does it, Granty does it, it’s a huge