Hearts set to sign Andres Salazar - Naismith on Rangers draw

Hearts drew 0-0 with Rangers at Tynecastle Park but it was the home side who were the better side across the match.

The Hearts head coach spoke about the game, possible penalty, new signings' impact and Andres Salazar.

What did you make of that?

It was an entertaining game for a 0-0. I know the headlines will all be ‘Rangers have dropped a point’ but I think we should have won the game. We created good chances, had really good moments, had more of them. First half our performance was really good. They then need to change what they are doing to try and get a foothold in the game and they did to a point but it was all in front of us, never really caused us too many problems. They are direct so they are going to get some chances off the back of that but I thought we played really well today. The only thing missing was a goal or two. 

Did you get your tactics spot on?

There are always things in a game you can do better but we controlled the game but as I said it will be ‘Rangers have dropped points’. We played so well in the first half, had so much control all that was missing was the finishing touches. The first month of every season is like that, you are always going to have moments where chances go abegging because everybody is not into their stride in the competitive games. We will take confidence from the performance but we are not just going to go away from the game today saying brilliant. It is hard work over the last six weeks that we have done, the new players coming in they all contributed. Barrie Mckay coming back from injury looked back to his old self so there were so many positives. Grant, Devlin in the middle of the pitch – it is a pleasing start to the season. We have competition for places and that is the standard we want to drive. 

What did you make of the new boys?

Were good. They all played their part and in their areas they have all shown their qualities. I don’t think any of them will have shown their best because naturally that will come with more time at the club but we have worked hard on our recruitment and I am pleased so far.

What did you make of the penalty claim

I don't think it's a penalty if I'm honest. Last season there was a big debate. Willie and the referees and the league have done a lot to clear things up and have a conscious effort to stop you guys asking that question to write about it. You will stop it, you will see it. People will say it's unnatural but, if you've played the game, there isn't much he can do so I don't think it's a penalty.

Were you happy overall because it's not a pen?

Since I've been in charge, the biggest thing we need is consistency. Inconsistency has been highlighted and recognised by the referees and everybody involved. There are going to be bad decisions but I think we all need to work together to make it as good as we can.

Can Hearts fans expect that type of football this season?

Yeah, we are going to challenge the players every day. Last week against Fleetwood, we challenged and it wasn't a good day. That doesn't mean we're a rubbish team or we are not good enough. It gives us a guide of where we're at. If we keep looking and there is progression and we are moving the club forward, then we are doing a good job. We've recruited well, we've got a good squad, we've got a tough season ahead, but this is a good start and a good marker.

How did the Boateng uncertainty impact your preparation?

We were working on the premise that he was going to be here and be involved. That's how it was so we never really changed things. We had done the work during the week to work out exactly where he was fitness-wise. It worked out well.

Was Salazar here today?

I think he was so we'll see how that develops in the coming days

Can you tell us about the Ridvan Yilmaz spat?

Not much. He thought he got a bad kick and I didn't. That was it.