Blair Spittal praises 'simple' Hearts Neil Critchley approach as goalscoring midfielder shows 'buzzing' side in Omonia win

Blair Spittal has praised Hearts manager manager Neil Critchley for his simple approach to life at Tynecastle - with the manager masterminding a 2-0 win over Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday evening.

The star lashed home the Jambos' second goal of the evening with under half an hour gone in Gorgie, doubling the lead after Alan Forrest had drilled into the roof of the net just eight minutes before - and with their comfortable lead, Hearts held on to record a second win in just two games under Critchley, and a second victory in as many games on the continental scene to put them joint-top of the league phase table.

Critchley only took over from Steven Naismith last Tuesday, but he's won two games in that time with six goals scored and none conceded - and former Motherwell man Spittal has praised his gaffer for simplifying the game for himself and his teammates as their season finally looks to be taking off under the Englishman.

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Speaking after their 2-0 disposal of the Cypriot side, Spittal told TNT Sports via BBC Sport: "Buzzing. It was similar to Saturday with the start. When we start the way we do, we get the whole stadium behind us. Good night all round.

"It's all about picking up space on the edge of the box. I've just managed to connect with it nice.

"Since the manager has come in, he has simplified a lot of things. We've gone after teams and it is paying off for us."