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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Josh Ginnelly special Hearts praise for Jorge Grant as St Johnstone handed 'cat-and-mouse' headache

Josh Ginnelly was 'buzzing' to announce his return from Hearts suspension with a brace as he reserved special praise for Jorge Grant.

The Jambos attacker fired home twice as Robbie Neilson's men defeat St Johnstone in the capital to keep up their charge for the best of the rest spot behind Celtic and Rangers and European football next season. They hold a five point advantage over city rivals Hibs in fourth - who also picked up a big weekend result on the road at Livingston.

Ginnelly has adapted his game this season and is reaping the rewards but knows he needs to keep working hard to improve even more. His team-mate Grant made what he describes as a 'big difference' with his positioning causing havoc in what the attacker has described as a 'sort of cat-and-mouse thing' for opposition defenders to either stick with him or press the midfielder.

READ MORE: Hearts 3 St Johnstone 0 as Josh Ginnelly brace helps keep grip on third - three things we learned

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Speaking to the Hearts official website, he said: “I am obviously buzzing with that. I’ve had a month off now, so it was good to get back out there today and get the three points and the clean sheet.

“We had different personnel out there today. Jorge Grant made a big difference. He picks up some great positions and it means centre halves don’t know whether to go with him or stay with me, so it’s a sort of cat-and-mouse thing.

“He was brilliant today and got his goal. I am just delighted to see him playing.

“The second goal is something we have worked on in terms of being an option in the final third. When I saw the ball go to Barrie, I knew I had to be in the middle of the goal and then it would be a tap-in.

“I’ve had to adapt my game this season. Right now, it’s working, but I’ve got to keep putting in the work and seeing what part of my game I still have to work on and see where it takes me.”

Next up for Neilson and his troops is back to back games with Celtic. It's Premiership duty under the lights at Parkhead on Wednesday night before Ange Postecoglou and his table toppers arrive in the capital for a huge S cottish Cup quarter-final showdown on Saturday.

READ NEXT:

- Michael Smith would love Hearts stay as he sends future message but concedes decision not his

- Hearts loanee James Hill reveals ex-Celtic star Ryan Christie's advice ahead loan from Bournemouth

- Robbie Neilson Hearts must take 'next step' in Scottish Cup as he hails goal star Stephen Humphrys

- Lawrence Shankland's Hearts shout at Stephen Humphrys revealed as he opens up on own half stunner

- Robert Snodgrass details his Hearts 'biggest disappointment' as he watches Rodri for new role tips

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