How Oisin McEntee will add ‘nasty’ element to Hearts midfield.

Sitting across from Oisin McEntee, the description “nasty” does not immediately come to mind. Heart of Midlothian’s new boy is softly spoken, pleasant, and relaxed.

There appears to be two Oisin McEntees. One off the pitch, one on the pitch. Derek McInnes signed the 24-year-old as a midfielder.

The Hearts’ head coach instantly sought a different profile in the middle of the pitch, which McEntee can fill. “I’m a versatile player, I can play in a few different positions,” stated the quarterback. “However, when I’m in the midfield, I feel like a physical presence.

“I win aerial duels, which are unpleasant to play against, and then keep it simple on the ball. That’s basically it; make runs ahead.” “He’s just assisted me with what I need to accomplish, my job on the team.

It’s still early, but he’s given me some details about my function.” Fans should be encouraged by a forward-thinking midfielder. He provided Walsall with a goal threat during a brief stint in midfield a few seasons ago. McEntee stated: “I believe last season was a bit stop-start. I was playing in a variety of positions. One week I played centre defence, the next in midfield.

“I didn’t really get a run in the midfield, but definitely if I can get a run in midfield, I can be a goal threat.” However, he retains a strong defensive presence from his time playing defence. There’s also some nastiness. Again, this should stimulate the interest of supporters. A characteristic that may have been lacking. “Just physical,” he answered when asked to characterise that unpleasant quality. “I get on top of people and just try and win the ball back for the team.” The move to sign McEntee occurred fast at the close of the season, with the player realising that Hearts, a “massive club,” was somewhere he wanted to go.

McEntee stated: “I believe last season was a bit stop-start. I was playing in a variety of positions. One week I played centre defence, the next in midfield. “I didn’t really get a run in the midfield, but definitely if I can get a run in midfield, I can be a goal threat.” However, he retains a strong defensive presence from his time playing defence. There’s also some nastiness.

Again, this should stimulate the interest of supporters. A characteristic that may have been lacking. “Just physical,” he answered when asked to characterise that unpleasant quality. “I get on top of people and just try and win the ball back for the team.”

The move to sign McEntee occurred fast at the close of the season, with the player realising that Hearts, a “massive club,” was somewhere he wanted to go.

“I’ve never played in the Scottish Premiership before, so I’ll have to see how it goes. I believe the standard has risen, and I am just confident in my ability to perform. “I feel like I’ve acclimated well, and the boys have done an excellent job integrating me into the group and so on. It’s definitely been more physically demanding, but I’m just getting on with it.”

Since joining, McEntee has had a “full on” but “unbelievable” experience. Soon after returning for preseason, he was whisked away to Spain with the squad for a warm-weather training camp.

While it had not allowed him to settle into his new surroundings or the city, it did allow him to become closer to his teammates.

He also has the support of Alexandros Kyziridis, Claudio Braga, Christian Borchgrevink, and Elton Kabangu, as the quintet all live in the same building and can share lifts to training.

Upheaval and travel are nothing new for McEntee.For four years, he travelled back and forth between his home in Ireland and England to train with some of the country’s greatest clubs, including Manchester United, where he was on trial. For two weeks, he would attend school from home.

Then he would spend two weeks in England playing football. This happened from the age of 11 until he moved to Newcastle United permanently at the age of 15, where he lived with a host family.

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