Andy Kirk insists Reserve Cup triumph can help build ‘winning mentality’ young Hearts stars need

ANDY KIRK believes lifting the SPFL Reserve Cup can give Hearts’ kids the winning mentality needed to shine for the senior side.

The Jambos claimed a 2-0 win over Motherwell at Tynecastle on Monday night, with goals from Lewis Moore and Callumn Morrison proving enough to secure the silverware in front of close to 2000 fans in Gorgie.

While outcast Ryan Edwards lined up for the capital club, the rest of the Hearts side was made up of gifted youngsters.

And after watching 17-year-old skipper Chris Hamilton grasp the trophy, second string boss Kirk emphasised the difference it could make in his players’ development.

Kirk said: “At this point in development, it becomes really important to win – because when they step into the first-team, you need to win. That the most important thing.

“As much as we are trying to develop them as players and improve their game knowledge and technical ability, there’s got to be that winning mentality in their mindset.

“This was a cup final and we treated it like a senior cup all the way through – we need to win every game. We’ve managed to do that and I’m delighted.”

Moore opened the scoring early in the second half when he robbed Motherwell defender Yusuf Hussain, before exchanging passes with Rory Currie and lashing a low drive beyond Rohan Ferguson.

It took just 10 minutes for Andy Kirk’s Jambos to double their advantage through the continually dangerous Morrison, with the winger converting a superb Dario Zanatta delivery.

Kirk added: “I’m so proud of them. They give me everything they have on the training ground every day and I’m quite demanding with them. We know the ability they have they wouldn’t be here if they didn’t – and the level of intensity and honestly I get is fantastic.”