Hearts confirm interest in red-hot 24y/o as key VAR incident against Falkirk gets managerial verdict

On a tricky evening at the Falkirk Stadium amid strong winds and incessant rain, goals from Claudio Braga and Stephen Kingsley gave Hearts an important win and allowed them to build upon last weekend’s victory over champions Celtic.

McInnes pointed out that many teams would have struggled against a vibrant Falkirk team and was pleased by the character shown by his players.

“A lot of teams would have slipped up here tonight,” said McInnes. “I’m not saying we’re all that, but it's Scottish football, it’s December - it was all about getting back on the bus with a win and the clean sheet.

“It was good to get in and out with the points in these tough conditions. We just wanted to get in and out. It was always going to be tough, we have had two difficult away games, form teams, and we’ve done well.

“A lot was made of Celtic’s performance but I thought we were good in that game. We have been really strong away from home in the league. The conditions made it difficult for both sets of players but we got off to a dream start.

“When we caused our own problems in the first half it was from over-playing, We spoke about playing the game we needed to play, not the one we wanted to play. We played the percentages more in the second half and did that.”

Milne stands out for Hearts

McInnes was delighted with the display of left-back Harry Milne, who made a crucial goalline block just before half time to keep the score at 1-0 to Hearts. There was a VAR check for a potential handball, but it was quickly cleared.

“It was a brilliant bit of defending from Harry Milne to clear up that situation,” said McInnes. “I’ve seen it back, it was the right decision [from VAR] and well done for him to get back to clear it.”

Hearts were linked earlier in the day with a pre-contract agreement for St Johnstone’s in-form winger Josh McPake and McInnes confirmed that the club are working on a deal

“There is an interest, as far as I’m aware it’s not been done yet,” he added. “St Johnstone are aware of the interest.”

Falkirk manager John McGlynn lamented his team’s cutting edge as they went four games without scoring a goal.

“We probably didn’t do enough in the final third,” McGlynn said. “We’re probably not ready to go with the teams at the top of the league. We have to make sure we stay away from the teams below us, those are the games we have to win.”

McGlynn also had no complaints over the handball claim against Milne. “The key moment for us is when Kyrell went round the goalkeeper, if that goes in it was 1-1 and game on,” added the manager. “That was a big moment, it would have given us a great lift and put them under pressure.

“If they [VAR] don’t take a long time over it that sums it up. I’ve not looked at it back but from the information we’re getting it was fair.”