The Hearts approach to yellow card tightrope for duo.

 

Derek McInnes has no special arrangements for his two Heart of Midlothian players who are on the verge of punishment.

Cammy Devlin and Alexandros Kyziridis are one booking away from their sixth in the Scottish Premiership season.

If they receive one in the next three games, they will be suspended for one match. After 19 league matches, 12 yellow cards are required to receive a suspension.

Hearts has had two players amass six so far, with Craig Halkett serving a suspension for last month’s loss to Aberdeen and Harry Milne suspended for the forthcoming Rangers match.

If Devlin or Kyziridis received a yellow card against Falkirk on Saturday, they would also miss the Rangers game at Tynecastle.

McInnes felt Devlin’s fifth yellow card, issued during the 2-1 victory over Celtic, and Milne’s sixth were severe. “Similar to Halkett a few weeks ago.

It’s a leap to anticipate Craig Halkett, who now has five bookings, to not receive a sixth booking before the 19th game. Cammy’s something similar, I think,” he explained. “His Sunday booking seemed cruel to me.

I believe that was his first foul, and you can see a lot of what went on, consistency from the opponents, players fouling and fouling, not receiving a yellow card, it sticks in my throat a little bit.

“He’s got a booking; he needs to deal with it. A competitive centre midfielder, although I don’t mind when players get booked for challenges and tactical fouls. In the middle of the park, you’re a little more likely to get bookings.”

McInnes was perplexed by the fact that Kyziridis is one booking away from a suspension. “I’ve never seen a winger get suspended, so he better not receive a sixth booking. Full-backs should be suspended for playing against him, he claimed.

That one is a little weird, but it is something we have to live with. Obviously, Harry misses Rangers, and again, a soft booking this weekend.”

On Devlin, McInnes expressed his joy at the Australian’s success.

Before Hearts’ 2-1 victory over Celtic, former Celtic and Hibs captain Scott Brown mentioned the midfielder as someone he enjoys watching.

The Australian midfielder delivered another man-of-the-match performance at Celtic Park. It was the latest spectacular performance in a season where he has been the team’s finest player.

“I’m delighted he’s being recognised. You always want your guys to be acknowledged. “I think it’s great that people are always drawn to the new signings,” McInnes stated.

 

“We did a calendar signing last night at Tynecastle and asked each child who their favourite player was; it was Braga and Kyziridis.

But there’s a little reminder for the people who have been here a long time, like Devlin, Shankland, Halkett, and Kingsley. All of these players, including Baningime, have played important roles this season.

“It’s great that players are being honoured. Certainly, as an opposing manager watching Hearts over the last week, I’ve always believed Cammy was a good player.

He has to accept responsibility for the improvements in his game this season.”

Devlin has taken another step ahead in terms of leadership and responsibility. He is one of just three Hearts players who have started every league game.

And he is the only one who has played every minute. McInnes, obviously, wants the player tied down to a new contract.

“I believe his performances have become much more mature, with greater leadership and significance.

Not just when he has the ball, but I believe he has a lot of influence, which is something you want from your centre-midfielders.

 

Because in the middle of the pitch, you can affect people on your side, in front of you and behind you,” explained the football player.

“People are always eager to point out what players can’t accomplish; instead, I prefer to work with players and identify their skills and abilities.

“I do think Cammy’s been a player who’s been so consistent and it’s nice that he’s getting a bit of recognition for that. I’d like that recognition to come when he signs his contract a bit more, but it’s nice nonetheless.”

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