Selection headache for Hampden, bounce back from Boyce, Smith not slowing down - Three things we learned from Hearts 6-1 Queen of the South

Neilson has selection headache

Robbie Neilson will have been delighted to see so many of his players performing against Queen of the South and it presents the kind of problem any manager wants to have: the ol' selection headache. After a 6-1 victory it would be tempting to roll out the same team again in most circumstances, but you have to believe Neilson views Peter Haring - who sat on the bench for the duration of Saturday's game - as one of the first names on the teamsheet when Hearts take on Celtic at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup final next week. The return of Josh Ginnelly to the squad, with the winger looking very sharp in the last 30 minutes against Queens, presents another conundrum if the on loan winger is fit enough to start.

There was a reaction from Boyce

The Northern Irishman started from the bench when Hearts defeated Greenock Morton at Cappielow last weekend and the strong performance from the away side would typically have suggested that Craig Wighton retain his place at the front of the attack. But it's clear that Neilson views Boyce as his main man up top and was merely taking the striker out of the firing line for a match after some very recent struggles in front of goal. Whether it was to give him a breather or a kick up the backside, only Neilson will know, but it certainly worked against Queens. Boyce was excellent, scoring twice and setting up another in a man-of-the-match display.

Give the 32-year-old what he wants

Michael Smith said earlier this week that talks are underway over a new contract with his current deal ready to expire next summer. Typically, clubs would be cautious with ageing players, especially in a physically demanding position like full-back. But, once again, the 32-year-old looked like someone ten years his junior against Queens, constantly getting forward to support the attack, making intelligent runs to open up space for Stevie Naismith and Olly Lee. He wants to remain for "a few more years" and, considering his versatility, he certainly looks like he's got that in him.

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