Ellis Sims’ Hearts debut praised as Robbie Neilson makes feelings clear over offside goals

Robbie Neilson praised newcomer Ellis Simms after the Everton loanee produced a promising debut just hours after he completed his transfer.

Thrown on for the second 45 minutes against Celtic, he was a massive factor in the Gorgie side’s improved performance as they came close to taking something from the match.

“Simms coming in and getting game time, you can see he's going to be a top player for us,” Nielson said. “The plan was to get him half an hour so getting 45 minutes out of him was great. I was very impressed with him. We knew what he could do but it was just a case of whether he could do it for us? Tonight was a very good marker.”

Left with “a tinge of disappointment” after his men failed to complete a fightback against Ange Postecoglou’s side, the Tynecastle boss lamented missed opportunities and said that when facing the top teams in the league, they have to be more clinical.

As well as chances in open play, having endured a spell on the ropes, his side squandered a penalty opportunity that would have leveled the scoreline with nearly 20 minutes remaining. Despite sending Celtic keeper Joe Hart the wrong way, Liam Boyce’s spot kick came back off the inside of the post and try as they might, the Gorgie side could not find any other way past the Celtic rearguard.

“When you get chances you have to take them and we had a few, but it wasn’t to be tonight,” the Hearts gaffer admitted.

“I thought we started the game very well but Celtic are a very good team - and we allowed them to be a good team up to half-time. At that point we are 2-0 down and chasing it.

“The second half was pleasing but I thought the first half could be better.

“We changed the shape a wee bit and personnel which always helps and we spoke about