Why Beni Baningime was absent for Hearts derby clash

The midfielder was absent for the midweek win over Omonia Nicosia in the Conference League due to an illness.

It was hoped that he would have recovered in time for the trip to Easter Road but he was absent, missing the 1-1 draw. 

It meant Cammy Devlin and Malachi Boateng were paired once more in the middle of the park. Both were replaced in the 73rd minute with Jorge Grant and Blair Spittal finishing the match as the centre midfield pairing.

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Neil Critchley confirmed that the 26-year-old was still feeling the effects of the illness and was sent home from training ahead of the match.

"He's just ill, unfortunately," the head coach said. "He came in Saturday, wanted to train but wasn't quite ready so we had to send him home, unfortunately.

"Don't want it to spread, so he just wasn't quite 100 per cent, unfortunately."

Hearts are back in action on Wednesday evening when they host Kilmarnock at Tynecastle Park ahead of a trip to St Johnstone next weekend.