Shaun Maloney's Hibs sacking takes Robbie Neilson by surprise as Hearts boss tips him to come back stronger

Robbie Neilson admits he was surprised by Shaun Maloney’s exit from Hibs.

But the Hearts gaffer insists it just underlines the high-octane pressures of the game at the top and the relentless demands for success.

He knows the expectancy in Edinburgh at Tynecastle. In the past fortnight Neilson has been able to savour double derby success to have one side of the city celebrating.

But the defeats were the final acts for Maloney at Hibs as he was sacked after just four months.

Neilson said: “To be honest I was surprised. On a personal note I was disappointed for Shaun because I know him pretty well. I spoke to him a few times when I was Dundee United manager and he’s a really good coach. But it’s the nature of the beast now.

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“He got very limited time to do anything, the chairman makes a decision and you just have to take it on the chin.

“But I’m sure he’ll come back and be stronger. I was the same at MK Dons when I was let go. It can hurt for a while but it definitely makes you a better coach.”

Long-term planning is key for clubs but Neilson knows the instant demands don’t always allow for precious time to be afforded.

The boss and his Jambos side are flying at the moment but he knows there can be no