BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson hopes Prince Buaben can go from strength to strength in front of goal after bagging his first goal of the season at the weekend.
Neilson had urged the midfielder to add more of a cutting edge to his play going forward as they prepared for Saturday’s home clash with Hamilton Accies.
And he was instantly rewarded when the former Dundee United player netted the Tynecastle side’s opener in the 2-0 victory that keeps them within six points of league leaders Celtic.
Buaben netted four times in 24 appearances for the Jambos last season but has taken 16 outings to get his name on the score-sheet this term.
Neilson explained: “It’s funny because I spoke to Prince before the game about trying to get some more goals.
“He’s in midfield and I think he’s got the ability to do that more often.
“He did that a little bit last season, but he’s definitely got the ability to get forward and score goals.
“And I’m glad he did that on Saturday.”
The other scorer against Accies on Saturday, Arnaud Djoum, is increasingly proving himself an astute signing by the Gorgie outfit.
The Belgium under-20 internationalist has now netted twice in five appearances since joining the club in September following a spell with Lech Poznan in Poland.
Neilson is keen to get the 26-year-old tied to a contract beyond his original deal, which is due to expire in January, and is thrilled with the midfielder’s current form.
Neilson added: “He’s fantastic. He’s looking fit and strong.
“He had a little issue at the end of the game with with his hamstring tightening up, but I think that comes from the demands we put on him.
“He’s come in and not done any pre-season and not played in any games since May.
“We put him in the team quite quickly but he brings quality and I was pleased with him on Saturday.”
@IainCollin
