Michael Smith admits the Covid-19 restrictions have been a real eye opener at Hearts this year, but has praised the squad’s professionalism that’s seen them avoid the ‘horror stories’ seen at other clubs.
Robbie Neilson hasn’t had to contend with any positive tests for coronavirus so far this season, whereas clubs like Kilmarnock and St Mirren have seen games cancelled and 3-0 defeats awarded after suffering numerous cases.
There is an element of good fortune involved, but the club’s approach and professionalism and buy-in from the players has been a big factor.
A sore throat for Stephen Kingsley meant he was tested and sat out a Betfred Cup win over Cowdenbeath as a precaution, despite returning a negative result.
The roll out of a vaccine is offering a ray of hope to players and fans alike in relation to getting back into stadiums, which Smith believes is crucial - and not just because it’s a vital source of revenue for clubs.
“It’s important that sooner rather than later, we get fans back into football grounds,” he said.
“For a lot of reasons; financially, everyone’s wellbeing, atmosphere and things like that.
“It’s been a real eye opener this year but hopefully with the vaccine coming out now, we’ll get all that sorted pretty soon.
“First and foremost you’ve got to keep yourself and your family safe. Your job and football comes second for me.
‘We’ve luckily had no cases throughout the squad yet. Everyone’s very professional to have kept it like that. You’ve heard horror stories from other teams so we’re doing really well at the minute.
“We’ve just got to keep it up and hopefully get the fans back into Tynecastle pretty soon.
“If you have to isolate, you’re going to miss games and that’s the way it is. Then you might find yourself out of the team, so it’s majorly important that you keep yourself and your family safe throughout these times.”
