Michael Stewart hits yet another low point

The enigma of Michael Stewart shows no signs of unravelling. Quite simply, he would not have been on the Manchester United payroll for six years if he was lacking in ability. Sir Alex Ferguson isn’t a bad judge of a player. If only the small matter of his fragile temperament was as easy to fathom.

For the third time in his Heart of Midlothian career Stewart was dismissed for a reckless off-the-ball incident when his frustration, yet again, got the better of him, kicking out and appearing to push Hugh Murray, the St Mirren midfield player, for no apparent reason.

Stewart should be a Scotland regular as he is every bit as talented as his international midfield rivals. Arguably, he should be plying his trade at a club of a higher standing in the English Premier League or, possibly, one of the Old Firm. The reason he is not? Inexplicable flash-points that continue to overshadow his talent.

Off the field, the 27-year-old is as thoughtful, intelligent and articulate as they come in this sport. Only days earlier, he spoke so passionately in his role as an ambassador for PoppyScotland. Therefore, it remains a mystery quite how he can let himself down at a time when his club was chasing their first victory in six matches.

His latest aberration was almost missed by Michael McCurry, a headline-magnet of a referee, who failed to spot the incident along with his two assistants. Had it not been for Bobby Madden, the fourth official, the Hearts midfield player would have escaped his punishment.

Fortunately for him, Hearts registered the win even without him courtesy of Eggert Jonsson, the right-back, who was making his debut first-team appearance as a centre-back. The Iceland international got his head on a contentious free kick from Andrew Driver after 79 minutes to steal the three points from a match that will hardly live long in the memory, with St Mirren failing to register a single short on target in the duration.

“I thought whoever made the decision got it right and he should get credit. Stewart played the ball outside and Hugh Murray was on the inside,” Will Haining, the St Mirren defender, said. “Stewart lunged at him with arms, legs and knees. The laws of the game say that’s not been allowed.”

The importance of this win was seemingly not lost on the Hearts players who “high-fived” each other and embraced in the manner of a cup final victory. Jonsson said: “It’s the first time I’ve played at centre-half for the first team. It’s not my favourite position but as long as I’m in the team I’ll play anywhere.”

Jonsson was on a high; Stewart at another low. He must know the person he is hurting the most is himself.

St Mirren (4-4-2): M Howard 6 – J Ross 6, W Haining 6, J Potter 6, F Miranda 7 – G Brady 6 (sub: A Dorman, 46min 5), H Murray 6, G Mason 6, S Robb 6 – D Wyness 6 (sub: J Hamilton, 62 5), B Mehmet 7 (sub: C Dargo, 69 5). Substitutes not used: C Smith, M McAusland, S McGinn, J McShane.

Heart of Midlothian (4-5-1): J Balogh 6 – J Thomson 6, E Jonsson 7, C Berra 6, L Wallace 6 – S Mikoliunas 5 (sub: R Neilson, 27 5), M Stewart 5, R Palazuelos 6, B Aguiar 7, A Driver 5 (sub: D Obua, 89) – C Nade 6 (sub: J Mole, 80). Substitutes not used: M Kello, J Makela, D Templeton, M Rapnik. Booked: Nade. Sent off: Stewart.

Referee: M McCurry. Attendance: 4,192

Taken from timesonline.co.uk