Double-edged sword for Hearts as players get international recognition

Northern Ireland call-ups for Liam Boyce and Michael Smith, plus some encouraging words from Scotland manager Steve Clarke, show Hearts’ relegation won’t prevent players representing their countries. The situation is nonetheless a double-edged sword for manager Robbie Neilson.

Whilst welcoming international recognition for any of his charges, particularly after demotion to the Scottish Championship, he will be left without their services for important matches during October and November.

International windows run concurrent with Betfred Cup dates and Hearts face tackling their first three Group A ties against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Cowdenbeath and Raith Rovers in October without some prominent names.

The match at East Fife in November also coincides with European Championship play-offs and Nations League games. Neilson is not complaining, though. He recognises the prestige involved for players and clubs when national coaches come calling.

Boyce and Smith were named in Ian Baraclough’s first Northern Ireland squad despite the lack of game time at club level. Clarke left Steven Naismith and Craig Gordon out of his 24-man pool yesterday but insisted they could return next month.

“There are international games in October which clash with the Betfred Cup. For us, that means anybody away on international duty will probably miss the first three group games,” acknowledged Neilson.

“It’s not ideal but that’s the way it is. I’d still rather have international players here. I think it’s important that we keep these guys playing for their national teams. It’s great for the club and the players to get that recognition.

“You want your boys to be playing at international level even if that means them missing a few Hearts games. What it does is keep them motivated, keeps them playing at a high level and keeps the exposure there if the players do well.

“I’m pleased to see some of our players called up. The more players we can get involved in the international scene, the better for the club. It shows that, even in the Scottish Championship, Hearts still have the stock to get international players signed and playing for their countries.”

Clarke explained the absences of the Hearts captain Naismith and recent signing Gordon, stressing they could easily be back involved come October. “They [Hearts] have Steven and Craig Gordon, who has gone there as well with the intention of trying to force his way into the international squad,” said the Scotland coach.

“I could have picked them but they’re both very experienced players who, if they had to come into the next squad, will be ready to come in whenever.

“It’s not as if they’re young and they need to come in and learn the ropes of international football. They’ve got lots of caps between them. I’ve got no worries. If I need to pick either of those two in the future, then it’s no big issue.”

Northern Ireland clearly still see Boyce and Smith as indispensable given the roles they played under former manager Michael O’Neill. Speaking to the Evening News last month, Boyce said he didn’t expect playing in Scotland’s second tier to impact his international prospects.

“I don’t really see it as an issue. When I was at Ross County, which is not a massive club in Scotland, I was scoring goals and playing well. International football goes on form and that’s how you get picked in squads,” he said.

“If I’m scoring goals for Hearts then I’m sure enough that I’ll be getting picked. International football is massive so if I’m playing well I will have to force a way in whatever way I can. For me, that’s by scoring goals.”

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