Heart of Midlothian

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

It's somewhat fitting that in the same weekend that saw Hearts supporter and wrestling superstar Joe Hendry shot to prominence, our Gorgie boys also rose to the occasion with a thumping 6-0 win at Dundee.

Much like Hendry appearing as the 15th entrant in WWE's Royal Rumble to his theme music 'I Believe in Joe Hendry', there are now Hearts supporters singing that about head coach Neil Critchley.

Little over five months ago, we witnessed the start of the downward spiral in our league form against with a bruising 3-1 defeat at Dens Park. The fact Critchley - who deserves huge credit - has led us back up there in such thumping fashion has vanquished any fears we have of going to any away ground now in Scotland.

It's amazing the turnaround in some players' form since Critchley took over. Cammy Devlin is in the best form of his Hearts career. Craig Gordon has kept four clean sheets in his past five league games.

Critchley has managed to get consistent performances out of youngsters James Wilson, Musa Drammeh and Adam Forrester. Even new signings Jamie McCart and Elton Kabangu have hit the ground running.

If the league table had reset when Critchley took over from Steven Naismith, we would be third. Many of his initial sceptics are nowhere to be found these days.

It's been a frenetic period in terms of comings and goings, with 13 in total. That number may rise as Yutaro Oda seems to fancy a return to Japan and that transfer window remains open. There are also fans hoping Barrie McKay might be tempted to reunite with old boss Robbie Neilson at Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The squad we're left with at the end of the window is much strengthened compared to the one we started with. I know the guys brought in aren't 'like for like' but you can argue that players including McCart, Kabangu and new left-back Harry Milne are all upgrades on Kye Rowles, Liam Boyce and Andres Salazaar.

Everyone of a maroon mindset is now believing top six is a formality if we continue recent performances, with some even holding out hope to crash the top four and make an unexpected run for third.

The focus turns to a Scottish Cup trip to St Mirren this weekend and that match will be a typical slog, given how Stephen Robinson likes to set up his side, but I'm confident we can progress to the quarter-finals.

Image source, SNS

Hearts midfielder Malachi Boateng has joined Plymouth Argyle on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old made the switch to Tynecastle in the summer and went on to make 28 appearances for the Edinburgh outfit.

"We've enjoyed working with Mal these past few months," boss Neil Critchley told club media.

"Similar to Daniel Oyegoke before him, this is a move that makes sense for all parties involved.

"Mal has an opportunity to continue his career down south and it's a good deal for us, so we wish him well at Plymouth.

"We are happy with the work we have done during January as we now look forward to the next phase of the season in good form."

Image source, SNS

Joining Hearts was "a no brainer" for left-back Harry Milne who believes he can "excel" in the Scottish Premiership.

The 28-year-old has played in every professional division in Scotland but is ready to test himself in the top flight.

Milne joins Neil Critchley's side from Championship outfit Partick Thistle.

"Just being around the place today has been really special for me," he told club media.

"Being out and seeing the stadium is just amazing.

"I think the opportunity to come to the top division in the country would be too good to turn down, never mind to one of the biggest clubs in the country.

"For me, it's absolutely a no-brainer. Obviously, I had a great time at Thistle, and I respect all the fans, the staff and the players and everyone who helped me.

"I think they agree with me that it was time to move on and I'm at a level now where I think I can excel in the Premiership."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Hearts have agreed a deal with Partick Thistle for defender Harry Milne. The 28-year-old will come in as competition for James Penrice at left-back, with confirmation expected on Monday evening.

Milne joined Thistle in the summer of 2022 after leaving Cove Rangers and has played over 100 games for the club.

Meanwhile Malachi Boateng could be on his way out of Tynecastle on deadline day. The midfielder only joined the Hearts in the summer when he signed on from Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee.

Boateng, 22, spent last season on loan at Dundee from Palace, and is now wanted by the English Championship's bottom side Plymouth Argyle.

Hearts have three players in my team of the week after their magnificent 6-0 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday.

James Penrice's consistent excellence down the left flank this season reminds me of the impact Andy Robertson had for Dundee United.

Blair Spittal has truly found his feet at Hearts. Inventive and thoughtful on the ball with quality execution. He is playing with the assuredness that shone so brightly during his starring role at Motherwell.

Up front, Elton Kabangu showed energy, anticipation and directness.

He also clearly has a hunger for goals, as he demonstrated with two of the six strikes at Dens. He has added a new dimension to the Hearts attack, which clicked into gear with devastating effect against Dundee.

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss Hearts' confidence and momentum as they push for the top six following their 6-0 win over Dundee on Saturday.

Watch highlights of Dundee's 6-0 defeat against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Hearts' 6-0 win against Dundee.

Here's what some of you said:

Murray: Other than a few blips, (notably Hibs and the last few minutes at Ross County) they've been steadily improving under Neil Critchley. Confidence has been building, culminating in yesterday's destruction of an in-form Dundee side who were blown away. Tough tests to come in the next few weeks but definitely on target for the top six.

Alexander: We are definitely on the up but if we are going to get into Europe we need more creativity in midfield or a creative winger. Get rid of Yutaro Oda, Jorge Grant and the completely ineffectual Barrie McKay. Free up those wages and bring in a creative player then we can go for third. Brilliant performance against Dundee. Our biggest away win since St Mirren in 1988.

Robert: I'm happy to eat some humble pie. I thought the management team were wrong for Hearts, but now Critchley has brought in players who can see his vision and tactics, Hearts are a power again. Resting Lawrence Shankland was 100 per cent the right call and now he is not the reason for a Hearts win or loss, he is free to play football again. So to Neil, I'm sorry.

Matt: Is there light at the end of the tunnel after a pretty dreadful season so far? Certainly hoping so. I wasn't convinced by Critchley's appointment but very glad to see that it looks like I was wrong. A brilliant result against Dundee, but what's even more important is the evident upturn in performance and results. Would be hoping for at least top six now.

Peter: I felt confident a few weeks ago that Critchley was on the right path. There will be bumps on the road still, but our self-belief is growing and the new squad members have strengthened us beyond my hopes. Top six now looks very likely and not out of the question to finish fourth with an outside chance of third. Well done to all.

Callum: Due to inconsistencies throughout the season so far the league is the most condensed from third to bottom place for a number of years. I'm quietly confident of a top six finish but we just need to maintain our game by game focus and pick up more points.

Image source, SNS

Neil Critchley has been "overwhelmed" by the positive support he's received since joining "special club" Hearts.

When the 46-year-old took over at Tynecastle back in October, the club were rock bottom of the Scottish Premiership with just two points on the board.

After yesterday's 6-0 hammering of Dundee at Dens Park, Hearts moved up to seventh and are only four points behind Aberdeen in fourth.

"It's down to the players and how they train and how they go and play," Critchley said.

"It's nice and I really appreciate the support I've had personally since I came to Hearts. It's been overwhelming really.

"I love what I do, I'm passionate about coaching and developing players and helping the team to improve.

"That's a by-product of the work you put in and hopefully people appreciate that. This is a special football club and I really mean that.

"I'm desperate to do well here for the supporters because if we can keep moving forward and get this place going in the right direction, then we can do some really good things in the future.

"We're in a good position but in football you don't get too carried away when you win because it can change quickly. We've got a big game coming up now against St Mirren in the cup and that's our focus."

Image source, SNS

Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland is looking to get back to top form after utilising his recent injury to take a "wee bit of a break and reset".

The striker, who is out of contract at the end of the season, netted his fourth goal of the season as the Edinburgh club secured a resounding 6-0 victory at Dens Park.

"Football is quite unpredictable at times," he told BBC Scotland after making his first start since Boxing Day. "You can take dips in form.

"You come in to criticism when you have hit the numbers I have hit in previous seasons. There is always a lot to live up to. Sometimes that dip looks even worse because last season I scored goals.

"The injury has kind of been a wee bit of a break and a reset. I have used it in the right way.

"The most important thing for me is Hearts winning games, and hopefully I can hit my form again and enjoy that."

Hearts' dominant performance saw Shankland combine excellently with new strike partner Elton Kabangu.

He has likened the Belgian loanee to former Hearts forward Josh Ginnelly, and believes the recent arrival can have a positive impact on young players in the squad.

"He is similar to Ginnelly who was here a couple of seasons ago," Shankland added.

"He is quick, he likes to play on the shoulder and he makes good runs.

"It is always good to have that, especially when you like to come to feet and you like to play a wee bit deeper. I feel like he can compliment me and I can do the same.

"He is quite similar to James [Wilson] in ways and James will probably learn a lot off him watching him."

Image source, SNS

• Dundee have failed to win in their last three games in the Premiership, their last joint longest winless streak was from 7 December 2024 to 26 December 2024.

• Hearts are undefeated in their last six games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 16 December 2023 to 17 February 2024, a run of 10 games.

• Dundee have conceded 12 goals to opposition substitutes in the Premiership this season, more than any other team.

• Lawrence Shankland has scored four goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no Hearts player has more.

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley would like to keep Elton Kabangu long-term after the 26-year-old forward's impressive start to his loan from Union Saint-Gilloise. (Daily Record), external

Rangers could still pursue a deal to sign Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland as the 29-year-old Scotland international remains on the list of potential targets at Ibrox. (Football Insider), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Hearts fans, were you at Dens Park to witness a memorable 6-0 away victory over Dundee, or following along from elsewhere? Either way, we want to know your thoughts.

Who impressed you the most? How long can your unbeaten run continue? Is European qualification back on the table? Tell us everything.

Have your say here., external

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley: "It is not often you win away from home in the fashion we have done today. Some of the goals we scored were fantastic goals. We were clinical on the break and we kept the clean sheet, which is always a good sign.

"[Lawrence Shankland] has looked like [the real deal] in training. Maybe he just needed that little break to freshen himself up physically and mentally. He has looked sharper in his mind in training. It is no surprise he scored like that today.

"Elton [Kabangu] is a terrific guy. Brilliant person to have around every day. He is so positive. Brilliant with his team-mates, a humble guy, and a constant threat. He wants to score goals.

"We deserved to win the game. This is a tough place to come to. No complacency. If we step off, and think we are something else, this game can bite you on the backside very quickly."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland at Dens Park

Image source, SNS

After their woeful start to the campaign, this game provided further evidence Hearts are a team heading in the right direction.

To come to Dens against an in-form Dundee - a venue where each of the top three in the Premiership have failed to win – and leave with the points is a fine achievement.

However it was the manner of this ruthless win which was particularly impressive.

Neil Critchley's side are now unbeaten in seven games in all competitions. The challenge now is to keep that sort of form going.

If they can, a season that looked like it was going to deliver very little could yet yield plenty.

And while it has not been a campaign to remember so far Shankland, he looked in the mood here. Whatever the future holds for him, he could have a big part to play between now and the summer if he can build on this display.

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

Vladimir Romanov is a name that conjures up all sorts of memories and emotions for Hearts fans.

A new BBC Scotland podcast series, Czar of Hearts, chronicles the Russian-born Lithuainian's rise in the east and his dramatic introduction to Scottish football, when he swept into a packed annual meeting and saved the club's home stadium, Tynecastle, from being sold to property developers.

When former players, managers and others in his orbit were asked to sum him up in one word for this project, the question was met, more often than not, with some variation of: "Oh, that's a tricky question that."

Indeed, he is a hero to many fans while still held in complete contempt for the mess he left in his wake when he disappeared and fled to Moscow with Interpol hot on his heels.

"Sad", "entertaining" and "magical" were just a few of the answers offered up, with 2012 Scottish Cup winning manager Paulo Sergio adding: "Mysterious. He's a man that you look at him but you don't see anything."

Across nine episodes, the series will dive into Romanov's character, as described by long-time business partners from Lithuania; seek answers for some of the inspired and not-so-inspired footballing decisions he made or meddled in; and try to find where he is now from investigative reporters and those most likely to know.

An abandoned submarine on the outskirts of Moscow, or something less clandestine under Vladimir Putin's watchful eye?

The first three episodes of Romanov: Czar of Heart are now live on BBC Sounds or wherever you prefer to get your podcasts from.

Image source, SNS

Dundee could give a debut to Mexican midfielder Victor Lopez. Josh Mulligan returns, while Ziyad Larkeche, Jordan McGhee, Joe Shaughnessy, Antonio Portales and Charlie Reilly are also back in training and have a chance of being involved.

Billy Koumetio (ankle) and Scott Fraser (groin) are the only definite absentees.

Hearts could include recent signings Sander Kartum and Michael Steinwender while Calem Nieuwenhof is also in contention after being sidelined since last March with a hamstring problem.

Craig Halkett (hamstring) joins Frankie Kent (quad) and Stephen Kingsley (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

New arrival Michael Steinwender has set his sights on winning silverware with Hearts.

The 24-year-old Austrian defender moved to Tynecastle this month for an undisclosed fee from Swedish side Varnamo.

Steinwender, who is under contract until summer 2028, said: "My dream is to win a title with Hearts. I just want to win titles. So either it is the cup or the league - of course, the best would be both.

"I always set my dreams very high. But of course, we also need to look from game to game and get as much points as possible and then in the end we will see where we end up."

Steinwender could make his debut against Dundee on Saturday and added: "If the trainer calls me up, I'm ready.

"But I also came from Sweden where the season was ended in the end of November. I kept doing my programme, but you also need to know the other players, how they are acting on the field. You need to get to know everybody.

"It's only been, I think, two weeks now but I'm very excited to make my debut."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

New signings Michael Steinwender and Sander Kartum have already shown their quality in training and could make their Hearts debuts on Saturday despite a lack of recent action, says boss Neil Critchley.

Defender Steinwender and midfielder Kartum, who both played in Scandinavia prior to arriving in Gorgie, finished their seasons before Christmas and haven't played competitively in a few weeks.

"They're closer [to playing], that's a decision I have to make this afternoon," the head coach said before Saturday's trip to face Dundee. "They've trained all week, they look better every day.

"We've done some testing with them as well, physically, to see where they're at. It's now just getting that decision right or that balance right of, are they ready?

"Are they ready to start? Do they come in off the bench? And Michael's situation is probably different than Sander's, just because of positionally.

"I think they're going to make a big difference to us. I know we've not seen Michael and Sander yet, but you can see their quality in training.

"I'm confident that in time they'll prove they're good players for us. And we'll see what happens in the next 72 hours."

Steinwender looks more likely to play, given the hamstring injury suffered by Craig Halkett that will rule the former Livingston defender out for the foreseeable.

Critchley has more midfield options available, though, and Calem Nieuwenhof is seeking a return after 11 months out with injury.

"We had a game last week at the back here behind closed doors," Critchley said. "He played for 70 minutes and did very well so Calem is in contention, yes.

"Obviously he's got to be very careful because he's been out for so long. He's been training now for a number of weeks, full training.

"He's proved his fitness in that. Psychologically, because of how long he has been out, it's been important for him to gain more confidence in his body. When we push him and put that little bit of extra demand on his body, he's not going to break down."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Neil Critchley has been speaking to the media before his Hearts side travel to Dundee on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• Having added four new recruits, the head coach is happy with the transfer business so far but still "looking, still searching" to see who becomes available in the next few days before the deadline.

• He admitted there is "interest" in a couple of Hearts players but nothing concrete, although added the exit of Daniel Oyegoke progressed very quickly.

• Critchley has been impressed by Dundee and the form they have showed this year, particularly the back-to-back draws with the Old Firm.

• He adds: "That gives them a lift. They're in good form, confident. I believe they've got some players back from injury, so we know we're in for a really tough game."

• A decision on the involvement of new signings Michael Steinwender and Sander Kartum will be made today, but they are available for a debut.

• Calum Nieuwenhof, the Australian midfielder who has been out for 11 months with a hamstring injury, is also available for selection after coming through a bounce game in which "he played for 70 minutes and did very well".