Camaraderie at heart of Elliot’s revival

Robbie Neilson, the Hearts captain, has backed Calum Elliot to continue his return to form against Celtic today, after revealing a supportive arm around the striker's shoulders from senior players sparked his renaissance.

The 22-year-old has turned the jeers from his own fans to cheers following his displays in the last two matches.

Elliot was key to the 2-2 comeback draw at Rangers, emerging from the bench to good effect, before he finally won over the Gorgie faithful with a man-of-the-match two-goal salvo against Kilmarnock last weekend.

Having broken into the Hearts first-team as a bright teenager in 2004, his star faded and loan moves to Motherwell and Livingston followed as he fell victim to the Hearts boo-boys.

But 11 goals from just 14 appearances at first division Livingston earlier this season suggested to manager Csaba Laszlo that the ex-Scotland Under-21 could still cut it in the SPL.

Having gradually eased him back into the first-team fold through impressive man-management, the Hungarian further lifted his confidence by taking him off late on against Killie to a richly-deserved standing ovation.

But Neilson and other senior Tynecastle players have also aided Elliot's re-birth, taking him under their wing to boost his spirits in an act that illustrates the togetherness under Laszlo.

Neilson, speaking ahead of today's televised early-kick off in Edinburgh, said: "I've always believed that Calum is a good player, he's got all the attributes. He's strong, fast, got a good touch and movement. I think he just needs confidence.

"People forget he was very young when he broke into the team. He's still only 22. He had a hard time and I think when he came back from Livingston it was important the players looked after him, made sure he felt confident and hopefully he is.

"In training he has looked good and in the last two games he's brought it form on to the pitch. Hopefully he has turned the corner and you can start to see the real Calum Elliot.

"You can see with Calum when something goes wrong his head goes down, but I think he is getting stronger mentally as he gets older. If he has a couple of bad touches, he just has to shrug it off. Last Saturday was a real turning point for him."

Given the fact the prolific Ally McCoist was even booed as a teenager at Rangers, there is hope for Elliot and Neilson is convinced he can play a major role today.

Hearts have made Tynecastle a fortress again, not losing there in the league since Gordon Strachan's leaders last visited on November 2 - a run of 10 games.

Safely positioned in the top-six and seven points clear in third, confidence is high in the home camp.

Neilson, promoting Hearts' player of the year awards, added: "We've got a great record at Tynecastle, but this season the only team we haven't beaten yet are Celtic. It's a good chance for us to do it today and we're confident of doing it.

"It's always a big game, usually on television, with a full house and a great atmosphere. We've done well against them in the past and we're all confident, there is no fear from us at all. We're sitting in third and will go and have a go at them."

Laszlo's impressive remedial work since his summer arrival could yet be rewarded with the SPL Manager of the Year award, but Neilson insists their task is not yet completed.

The club's longest-serving player said: "We're in the top six, it's secured but we don't want to stop there. We're sitting third and if we don't finish there, for me, it'll be a disappointment.

"If we can get third place, we get the Europa League and it's more appealing for bringing players in. We can maybe invest in the summer and then next season can be a big season for Hearts."

Taken from the Herald