Robbie Neilson in Orestis Kiomourtzoglou admission as Hearts boss gives eye-catching debut star his dues

Robbie Neilson hailed Hearts for flying high on their return from Europe with three goals made in Ayr.

The Jambos proved they’ve got the mettle to dig out results at home and abroad as they rattled the Steelmen to move into third with ex-Ayr duo Lawrence Shankland and Alan Forrest netting Three days on from being ruthless in Riga, Neilson’s side were lethal in Lanarkshire as they gave wasteful Well a lesson in finishing.

Hearts had lost their last four league visits to Fir Park but goals from Shankland, his sixth of the season, and a Forrest double after the break sealed victory. Brassed-off Well fans took aim at TV bosses at half time with a banner that read ‘6.15 kick off .. TV before fans .. F*** Premier Sports’ in reference to next month’s quarter-final. But it was their team’s finishing that was a turn-off with Paul McGinn the main culprit in a game where Steven Hammell’s side peppered Craig Gordon’s goal with 26 shots, hitting the woodwork three times but without bulging the net once.

In contrast Hearts beat Liam Kelly three times from 10 efforts. And Neilson said: “I was pleased. We spoke after the Riga game about getting yourself ready go again – and we did that. Looking at the bigger picture, we’re competing in European football, sitting second in our group – and we’re still third in the Premiership.

“So we’re still where we want to be, where we want to try to push from, while still competing in Europe. That’s really, really important heading into the international break.

“Three goals made at Ayr United. It was good to see the rapport between Shanks and Alan. The players really like them and they do great for us. I like their pathway of coming up from the Championship and doing well in the Premiership, then