Josh Ginnelly reveals Covid and vaccine issues affected his Hearts progress

He contracted the virus twice and hasn’t taken any jags. Time off because of self-isolation and recovery left him nearer the back of the queue for starting places. Consequently, he hasn’t impacted this season as much as he intended.

That doesn’t mean the Englishman can’t still influence the final few weeks with a Scottish Cup final on the horizon. Exploding to life at Tannadice on Sunday, he scored a fine goal and tormented opponents all afternoon as a winger-turned-striker.

Ginnelly’s pace, trickery, goalscoring ability and power for one of small stature make him difficult to combat. His first start since February left him emotionally and physically drained, illustrated by the sight of him bent down stretching calves on two occasions during the second half.

A 3-2 win over Dundee United made it worthwhile. Now he aims to replicate that form over the coming weeks and secure a cup final place to make up for lost time. Like most wingers, he needs a regular first-team place in order to build momentum.

“Yeah, of course. I've had two or three Covid things and I'm not vaccinated,” explained Ginnelly. “I've had well over two weeks off, so that's given other people opportunities to play every game. They've done so well.

“I'm not going to start complaining but I'm more delighted with what the boys have done this season. Having been in the Championship, coming up this year, we haven't looked out of place once.

“I'm fine, really. It's more the case that I've missed training sessions and I've missed games. I've just been in and out because of Covid. It is what it is. I'm all about the team. I just want to see us go on to this next game against Ross County, win that and take every game into the final.”

Sunday’s goal was his fourth of