Hearts shown two positions that could be signed after Chesnokov as Hibs vs Celtic red card debate assessed
A well-known analyst has evaluated the weekend action between Hearts and Hibs.
Michael Stewart, a former midfielder who commented on a red card incident between Hibs and Celtic, believes that Hearts will examine two areas in January.
The former Hearts and Hibs player has watched as Derek McInnes’ Jambos have had an outstanding season thus far, rising to the top of the Premiership going into December. They face Kilmarnock midweek then take on a crucial game at second-place Celtic coming Sunday, having won one out of their past five, heading into the Killie encounter.
More points were lost in a 0-0 draw with Motherwell, but Stewart believes that Islam Chesnokov’s presence on the flank next month will be a significant boost. In light of Ageu and Beni Baningime’s ailments, he also believes that a right-back acquisition in January would be crucial.
Michael Stewart on Hearts transfer business
“As an attacking force, definitely just looks like it’s off slightly,” Stewart said to Premier Sports Social Club. I’ve been talking about this all season long. Hearts’ right side is a massive problem because it’s been improvised, but they’ve done a great job to get through this stage of the season without it becoming a bigger issue. Oisin McEntee’s done a terrific job filling in there but that’s not his position for me.
Since they don’t really have somebody who is proficient in that area, right midfield is undoubtedly an even bigger problem. I’ve always felt that I need to get stronger in center midfield. Ageu came in but he’s been one injury
after another, and Baningime is injured now as well. On Wednesday, they will play Kilmarnock at home in a crucial game, and they must win by three points—that much is certain. For them to feel somewhat better again, they need to score three points.
“January can’t come round quick enough with regards to Chesnokov coming in, and they need to go and recruit a right-back, and possibly a centre midfielder depending on what the situation is with Baningime. However, McEntee might be able to move into the center of the park if they are able to acquire a right-back. However, these are the most important topics they need to focus on.
Stewart believes that in Hibs’ 2-1 defeat to the champions, Colby Donovan of Celtic just avoided a red card. The right-back went flying into a challenge on Easter Road defender Jordan Obita and debate has stemmed on whether or not the yellow card infraction warranted a red. Stewart said: “I think if he’d been shown a red, I don’t think there’s any doubt and there’s no way VAR are overturning that, no chance.
“I think that’s right on the borderline, I’ve got to say, you know what probably saves him? Jordan Obita catches his foot because his right foot is barely off the ground and he is gesturing to move. If Jordan Obita’s left leg is moving forward while his right leg is grounded, that might be a leg breaker and would definitely result in a red card.
“It’s not a shocker because I think it’s borderline. Had he been shown the red card, I don’t think there’s any chance that that was getting overturned. It’s powerful, he flies into it, and it could easily have been a red. If I had to be put on the spot, what I think the right decision is? For the reasons I have explained, I believe it’s most likely just the yellow.
