Heart of Midlothian

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley reacts to his side's 4-1 Scottish Cup win over Brechin City with Sportscene's Jonathan Sutherland, Darren Dods and Craig Levein.

Hearts came from behind to ease past Highland League side Brechin City and progress to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.

First-half substitute Scott Bright fired Brechin in front with a magnificent 35-yard strike in what was his second game for the Angus club.

Neil Critchley's side appeared to struggle with the conditions and it took another wonder goal to get Hearts level before the break as Yan Dhanda curled beyond Lenny Wilson.

Hearts took the lead early in the second half when Elton Kabangu floated a dangerous cross into the hosts' penalty area and defender Kevin McHattie's attempted clearance carried the ball towards goal as Kenneth Vargas attempted to get the final touch.

Kabangu scored his first Hearts goals with a tidy finish and a conversion off James Wilson's inch-perfect pass.

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Hearts manager Neil Critchley: "It's job done. It was a good goal from Yan Dhanda, that settled us down.

"Scoring soon into the second half settled us down, we played some nice football. We've done the job and we're into the next round.

"It was a great strike [from Scott Bright] but up until that we'd been doing OK in the game. The longer it goes at 1-0 the nerves and anxiety grows, we needed that moment of quality to get us back in the game.

"You have to stay calm and composed, the players need you. They need my support, you look to the staff around you and make sure you're giving appropriate advice to the players.

"It takes a little bit of time, that extra bit of physicality, to wear them down. That's not going to look the same in the first 20 minutes, you have to work for that. You're playing a little bit tighter, that inhibits you a little bit. Once we settled down, remembered how to play good football we started to make things more comfortable for ourselves.

"We weren't good enough against Hibs that day [during Boxing Day defeat] but there had been signs before and after that that we're improving.

"We've got a lot to do, we're not where we want to be. We want to breed that winning habit, a cup run would help.

"A couple of singings have helped, refreshed the group and that'll be important for the second half of the season."

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Elton Kabangu scored twice and set up another in his first start for Hearts this season.

Hearts lead Brechin City for the first time in the Scottish Cup.

Scott Bright scores a stunning opener in to give Highland League Brechin City a surprise lead over Scottish Premiership Hearts in their Scottish Cup fourth round tie.

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Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay has revealed the role Jamestown Analytics plays in the club's recruitment process.

The Tynecastle club announced a much-celebrated deal with the company in November, allowing "exclusive" Scottish access to player data services.

Jamestown also have agreements with Premier League side Brighton and Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise, and while valuable, McKinlay insists it is only one part of a larger set-up.

"It's important to make it very clear that the Jamestown piece is a part of the process - it is not the entire recruitment process, I think people misunderstand that," McKinlay told Hearts TV.

"The way it works is that Jamestown have a massive database which has been built over years and is continually updating itself, and it has an ability to tell us how players rate or how they would rate if they were playing in the Scottish Premiership.

"To give an example, we would have gone to Jamestown for this window saying we're looking for a centre-back. That gets fed to Jamestown and they then come back with some options based on their analysis. That is pretty much the beginning and end of what they do.

"We then do our own diligence on those players - the character, whether they'll fit into our squad, we'll do some references. What analytics cannot do is give you a view on the personality of a player. It's then for our team to do that and do negotiations."

Hearts have made two signings in the January window so far, with forward Elton Kabangu arriving on loan from USG and defender Jamie McCart signing from Rotherham on a deal until 2029.

"In relation to both of them, we would have said the type of centre-back and we forward we wanted, and [Jamestown] came back with options for us," McKinlay added.

"Those two were both very high in those options and ones the coaching staff were very excited by. They were both fairly straightforward deals to do. I was delighted we had them there ready as the window opened.

"I'm expecting us to do one or two more in this window, and any more than that may depend on movement the other way."

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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The luck, or bad luck, of the draw means not too many lower league sides have home ties that immediately suggest a Scottish Cup shock could be on the cards, but a few still jump out in the fourth round.

Those include Brechin City against Hearts, which is live on BBC Scotland and online on Friday evening (Kick-off 19:45 GMT)

Considering Highland League leaders Brechin were in the senior leagues until relegation in 2021, it is perhaps surprising that the sides have only met in three previous cup ties, with Hearts prevailing each time, once after a replay.

The current side led by former Hibs midfielder Patrick Cregg have struggled a bit to reach the fourth round for the first time since 2018, when they were in the Championship.

Two single-goal home wins - over Newtongrange Star, of the East of Scotland League, and Highland rivals Huntly - took Brechin through the first two rounds before they needed extra time to overcome Lowland League hosts Cowdenbeath 4-1.

However, they are in pole position to win the Highland League for the second time, leading by two points from Brora Rangers, and have gone 11 games without defeat at home.

Eight-time cup winners Hearts will arrive in better mood than when the draw was made, Neil Critchley's side having lifted themselves off the bottom of the Premiership after four games without defeat.

However, having struggled to beat League 2 side Spartans 2-1 away from home at the same stage last season, last season's beaten semi-finalists will be aware of the dangers.

Read Scottish Cup preview in full.

Goalkeeper Zander Clark's new contract at Heart of Midlothian will have no bearing on the future of 42-year-old current Scotland number one Craig Gordon at Tynecastle, according to head coach Neil Critchley. (The Scotsman), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Neil Critchley revealed Hearts are closing in on a new defender as Michael Steinwender prepares to join the club.

The Tynecastle side are looking to strengthen their centre-back options following long-term injuries to Stephen Kingsley and Frankie Kent and the exit of Kye Rowles to DC United this week.

Hearts have agreed a fee with Swedish club IFK Varnamo to sign Austrian defender Steinwender, with the 24-year-old expected to finalise his move to Edinburgh over the next week.

"Close, close, yeah," Critchley said of the move for a new defender. "We're talking to someone, we're pursuing something, but nothing's done.

"Until it is, I won't be going any further speaking about that. I'm not going to mention his name because that would be wrong."

Hearts have already signed Belgian forward Elton Kabangu and defender Jamie McCart this month.

They have been linked with a move for 25-year-old Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov, who plays for Tobol Kostanay in his homeland, but Critchley said: "No, that's not close (to being completed).

"We get linked with numerous players during January. We're doing a lot of work behind the scenes. We're speaking about a lot of players.

"We've identified areas of the pitch we want to bring players in. Obviously, there's two weeks of the window to go, so let's see where we are in 14 days' time."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Oraim

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In May 2012 Neil Critchley was nearing the final year of his long association with Crewe before a move to Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool coaching staff.

Roughly 240 miles north, Hearts were hammering Edinburgh rivals Hibernian to lift the Scottish Cup.

That famous day at Hampden remains Hearts' last triumph in the competition and is fondly retold by many in maroon. Including kitman Gordon Paterson.

So while Critchley may not have been fully aware of the glory day at the time, he is well aware of its importance and legacy now.

"The kitman will always go back to 2012 and a result in the final which is very popular around here," Critchley said as he previewed his first game in the competition on Friday night against Brechin City, live on BBC Scotland.

"You feel it, you see it, people talk about it. This is a proud, traditional club that's built on history, certain values, and that's what we have to uphold every day.

"The way you behave, the way you act, the way the team plays – I'm very aware of that and I'll do everything I can to make sure the supporters can see a team they can be proud of on the pitch."

It's a tight pitch at Glebe Park and Critchley - who was the "wee guy" nearing a top-flight scalp last year when his Blackpool side took Nottingham Forest to a replay - is anticipating a tricky tie against the Highland League leaders.

"We're in good form, but so are they," the head coach added. "They've only lost once in the league all season and that breeds a confidence and an expectation from themselves about winning games, it becomes a habit. We're under no illusions of the task in front of us.

"They're better than the standard they're playing at. If you only lose one game all season at this stage, it suggests that."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Oriam

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Head coach Neil Critchley sat down with BBC Scotland before Hearts' televised Scottish Cup fourth round tie with Brechin City on Friday night.

Here are the key things he said:

• After three months in the job, and a amid current four-game unbeaten run, Critchley says Hearts "have not cracked it by any means, but are on the right track".

• He says the "mentality shift" required will take time and his ethos is "that never-ending search for perfection".

• Critchley says he understands and "feels" the importance of the Scottish Cup and what it means because Hearts kitman Gordon Paterson speaks often about the club's 2012 success.

• The Tynecastle boss cited his side's good form heading into Friday night's game, but stressed Highland League Brechin are flying too and their results - one league defeat this season - "show they're better than the standard they're playing at".

• Critchley doesn't expect any new signings before the game, but he'd "be very surprised" if there's not more business done in the window as the club are "working extremely hard behind the scenes to strengthen the squad".

• He reiterated his fury at leaks within the club and said the reported figures involving Cammy Devlin - who is yet to be subject of a bid - were "unacceptable and inaccurate". "Whoever that's come from, or wherever that's come from, it's not nice and not really helpful to us."

• Critchley says 17-year-old striker James Wilson "has been fantastic" and "there is no pressure from us, he just has to go and play and be himself".

Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibernian and Rangers are eyeing moves for Luton Town midfielder Allan Campbell, with the 26-year-old interested in a return to his homeland after being sent on loan to Charlton Athletic. (Football Insider), external

Michael Steinwender's proposed move to Hearts should be completed within the next week, with the 24-year-old centre-half close to agreeing personal terms over a six-figure transfer from Swedish club Varnamo before heading to Scotland for a medical. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Johnbosco Kalu has declared he wants to leave Varnamo following a transfer offer from Beitar Jerusalem, but Hearts are also interested in the 27-year-old striker. (Fotbolldirekt), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

There is no doubt things at Tynecastle are looking up yet despite a gallant performance on Sunday at Pittodrie and a valuable point gained, the team remain in an unhealthy 11th place.

The welcome addition of Jamie McCart (below) and Elton Kabunga will bring competition at the back and forward areas on the pitch, and both these players should have major parts to play between now and the end of the campaign.

With only seven points separating Hearts and Motherwell in fifth place there remains a chink of light in terms of trying to obtain a European spot for next season.

Of course all that would be achieved in Hearts could lift the Scottish Cup this year, and that campaign begins on Friday night away to Highland League club Brechin City.

The two teams last met in the cup in February 1985, when a John Robertson goal was enough to take Hearts through in a replay at Tynecastle after they were held 1-1 at Glebe Park.

The result of this game should not be in doubt but as Hearts well know they can't underestimate the Angus minnows.

The defeat at Brora Rangers back in March 2021 still haunts Hearts supporters and after what has been a disappointing Premiership so far, a lengthy cup run would go a long way to show all what the team are capable off.

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Zander Clark has signed a two-year contract extension with Hearts that keeps him at Tynecastle Park until 2027.

The Scotland goalkeeper joined the Jambos in September 2022 and has featured 68 times for the first team, keeping 24 clean sheets.

The 32-year-old played an integral part in securing third place in the Premiership last season and earned a place in the Scotland squad for Euro 2024.

"It's fantastic news that Zander has committed his future to the club," said head coach Neil Critchley.

"It can be challenging for a goalkeeper when they're not playing but Zander trains at 100% every day, he's supportive to his team-mates and he's a big part of our plans going forward.

"To have top-class goalkeepers competing with each other is a good thing for the club and I'm delighted to get the opportunity to continue working with him beyond the end of this season."

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Greg Playfair
Fan writer

If there's one thing that won't be dry this January, it's the ink in the pen that's being used for all the transfer activities at Hearts this month.

The ink is barely dry after the signings of forward Elton Kabangu and defender Jamie McCart, yet we are being linked with two more additions on a permanent basis.

Austrian centre-half Michael Steinwender and Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov already have set tongues wagging in Gorgie with their stats and YouTube show reels being passed around social media at speed.

Both Steinwender and Chesnokov would be additions in much sought after positions for us this season and the early indications are, they would both strengthen the starting 11, which is what is desperately needed.

That's no slight on the defensive pairing of McCart and Craig Halkett, who looked assured in Sunday's stalemate against Aberdeen. Halkett has actually been really good in his last three performances and it's no coincidence that we've picked up clean sheets in such games.

In truth, we should've left Pittodrie with three points following a last-minute penalty, but Ross Doohan brilliantly saved Jorge Grant's penalty.

The encouraging thing – or frustrating depending how you look at it – is that for the third game this season, we looked more than a match for Aberdeen and leave disappointed not to have finished victorious. To me, it highlights how important this January window is for us to get good options in the squad, as if we were able to bring on better quality attacking players in that second half, we would have won that match comfortably.

For the third transfer window in a row, we ought to be targetting a target man to act as another weapon in our attacking arsenal and compliment James Wilson, Kabangu and Lawrence Shankland, for his final six months.

We turn our attention to the Scottish Cup and for teams like ourselves, it offers the best opportunity to win silverware in a season.

A Scottish Cup win would absolutely go a long way to reconcile everyone associated with Hearts from players, supporters to the board room.

That said, it's important not to underestimate our opposition on Friday night in Brechin City. Cup games live on the BBC always seem to provide good viewing for the neutral, but I'm hoping it's a one sided affair with Neil Critchley's side dominating the entire 90 minutes.

The last competitive match between the sides, was back in September 1992 at Glebe Park and plucky Brechin took us to extra-time before our legendary talisman John Robertson bailed us out with a 108th-minute winner.

I'm hoping we don't have as close a match this time around but I trust that Critchley will respect this competition and we won't see too many changes. A victory and a fourth consecutive clean sheet will do for me, and hopefully our names inked into the draw for the next round.

Hearts are among the clubs to have held talks with Tobol Kostanay regarding Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov, 25. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Midfielder Beni Baningime, 26, admits Hearts should not be second bottom of the Scottish Premiership and urges his team-mates to turn draws into wins. (Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Pittodrie

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Beni Baningime is confident Hearts will "definitely be able to get out of this hole they don't like being in" as the Gorgie club remain eleventh in the Scottish Premiership after their draw with Aberdeen.

The midfielder stressed the players have got themselves into this position, but there are "no excuses" with European football now out of their schedule.

He believes Hearts are showing they are "solid" after extending their unbeaten run to four games.

"I think we have been solid recently and that is the emphasis the manager has really given," Baningime told BBC Scotland.

"We have to be hard to beat as a team and the identity is if someone is going to score, they are going to have to score a worldie. We can't be conceding sloppy and silly goals.

"I think from now on it's one game a week – it is always hard with Europe, but even with that we shouldn't be where we are. I think we have enough talent in that changing room to be better and I think we will be better.

"But with fewer games, the gaffer can have a lot of time with us to instill what he wants, whereas maybe before it was like, you're playing Sunday, you're playing Thursday, you didn't have that time, but now I think there are no excuses and I think we will definitely be able to turn it round."

In their last two games, Hearts have drawn with fourth-placed Aberdeen and defeated third-place Dundee United, which the midfielder hopes can breed confidence and a better mentality.

"There are a lot of games left and we need to get ourselves out of this," he stressed.

"We are nine points away from St Johnstone, it's not a nice feeling to be second bottom.

"We don't like it, I know the fans don't like it so ultimately we can't be looking up too much, without understanding the reality of where we are. We are in a situation that we shouldn't be in or I don't believe that we should be in and taking it one game at a time will be the best thing.

"We have beat Dundee United who are third at times we were the better team today, away at the team who are fourth so why shouldn't we have that mentality?

"With that mentality, get out of this situation, get out of this hole that you have placed yourself in and hopefully your ability will show."