Hearts manager Robbie Neilson was delighted with the contribution of new signing John Souttar in Wednesday night’s 3-0 win over Ross County at Global Energy Stadium.
The former Dundee United player made his debut in defence alongside fellow teenager Jordan McGhee, and their manager was impressed by how they helped to withstand a County onslaught.
“They’re two teenagers, and the two of them did really well today,” he said.
“I’m really pleased at the performance. We had two young centre backs in Jordan McGhee and John Souttar. We had (Callum) Paterson, (Sam) Nicholson, (Dario) Zanatta coming on, Liam Smith, all young kids.
“For McGhee and Souttar to play against two experienced players in (David) Goodwillie and (Liam) Boyce I thought they played really well and dealt with the physicality of it, and they passed the ball really well.”
Neilson also had praise for Abiola Dauda, who came on to score two late goals.
The Edinburgh side led by a bizarre goal early in the second half which was credited to Jamie Walker, although the player did not know much about it.
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But despite almost constant County pressure, Nigeria-born forward Dauda came off the bench to net two superb goals in the last three minutes.
Nelson said: “We got a wee bit of luck with the first goal but when we brought Dauda on he changed the game. His first goal was different class – it was a top finish.
“He’s not 100 per cent fit yet. He’s had a full 90, which is probably more than he should have played because of injuries, we are just trying to build him up slowly. That’s him, two games, two goals, hopefully that continues.”
Neilson felt his side were on top in the first half, adding: “I thought we were the better team in the first half, we passed it well.
“Today was a huge game but it sends out a statement. We are the first team to come come up here this season and keep a clean sheet.”
County boss Jim McIntyre blamed mistakes for the loss of the goals in a game his side dominated for long spells.
He said: “Individual errors cost us goals – but in terms of performance I thought we were the better side.
“We had two really good opportunities in the first half, I thought we had a lot of positive play. It was the same in the second half.”
He added: “We know the goals we gave away were poor.
“The first one we should have cleared but we headed off each other and it ended up in the back of the net.
“The second goal (goalkeeper, Scott) Fox should do better, he has to save it.”