Exclusive: Peter Haring on penalties, head wound, reassuring team-mates and his contract situation

And once the dust had settled on Saturday’s Scottish Cup victory over Livingston, where Robbie Neilson’s Hearts side finally advanced after a 0-0 draw, there was one particular name which came into the latter category: Peter Haring.

It’s no disrespect to the Austrian, but a defender-turned-midfielder who is known for his combative qualities and has netted only once all season isn’t typically the type of player whom supporters feel confident about coolly tucking one away. Yet the 28-year-old dispatched the best penalty of the lot. Going second, he smashed the ball into the roof of the net and kept Hearts level at 2-2 before the hosts would eventually go on to win 4-3.

As it turns out, there shouldn’t have been too much to worry about.

“I don’t mind taking penalties. I quite like it, to be honest. I took a few at my previous club so it certainly wasn’t my first one,” he revealed to the Evening News. “I don’t have any problems putting my hand up. I haven’t missed yet, fortunately.”

Haring sported a bandage around his head as he made his way from the field following the post-match celebrations. This was a result of a clash of heads shortly after his introduction as a substitute for Beni Baningime. Thankfully for him, and his team, the injury wasn’t anything serious.

“It’s all good. A bit bruised but it’s fine,” he said. “It didn’t even feel sore. It just wouldn’t stop bleeding next to the eyebrow. The club’s motto [blood doesn’t show on a maroon jersey] was quite suitable on Saturday.”

Haring dropped to the bench for the visit of David Martindale’s side after being part of the starting XI, and indeed playing the full 90, in the ignominious midweek loss to Dundee at Tynecastle. It’s been a bit of a toil for the popular player