RIX HAILS HERO ELLIOT

By Ronnie Esplin, PA Sport

Manager Graham Rix praised the contribution of Calum Elliot in Hearts' 4-1 thrashing of Hibernian.

The 18-year-old emerged as the unsung hero for the Jambos despite previous murmurs of concerned surprise when it became known that he would be thrown into a lone striker's role as Rix sent out a team designed to pack the midfield.

However, in a derby match which had more than its fair share of drama, Elliot showed a maturity beyond his years as the home side romped to a 4-1 win.

After Paul Hartley gave the home side the lead, the youngster missed a sitter to make it 2-0, shooting wide when he had only Hibees goalkeeper Simon Brown to beat.

However, after Rudi Skacel and Hartley again scored, this time with a penalty, to give the Gorgie side a 3-0 half time-lead, Elliot popped up five minutes after the break to slide home the fourth from close range.

Ten-man Hibs, who had defender Gary Smith sent off just before the break after a clash with Saulius Mikoliunas, grabbed a consolation through Garry O'Connor but as Skacel and Hartley received most of the post-match plaudits, Elliot quietly slipped away out of Tynecastle.

Rix, however, had no doubt as to the importance of the teenager's contribution.

He said: "I thought Calum did great. It was hard work for him and I know full well he needs a rest.

"He doesn't want to come off the training pitch and again he worked his socks off.

"He scored a great goal, it was great movement in the box to make his chance and if he keeps his feet on the ground he has a great future ahead of him."

Hartley

praised his young team-mate for shrugging off the sitter he missed before the interval.

He said: "That's the sign of a good player. He missed a chance but it's about his reaction after that.

"We went 4-5-1 with Calum up front alone and

it worked well for us. He was fantastic in getting his goal."

With Celtic's draw against Dundee United reducing the Hoops' lead over Hearts at the top of the SPL to eight points, Hartley insists the confidence he showed last week in terms of the Gorgie side's championship hopes was not misplaced.

He said: "Last week people asked if we were looking at second place and a Champions League spot but I said we are still trying to catch Celtic.

"There is still a lot to play for and they go to Ibrox in two weeks. We've just got to keep winning games and hope they have more slip-ups."

Hibs conceded four goals at the home of their city rivals for the second time this season and in truth the scoreline may have made bleaker reading if the Jambos had shown more tenacity after the interval.

Taken from sportinglife.com