Kenneth Vargas turns Hearts hero as Costa Rica livewire adds goal to bubbling hype – 3 talking points

Kenneth Vargas’ first goal for Hearts earned them a hard-fought win against Livingston at Tynecastle.

The Costa Rican winger came off the bench in the second half and buried a brilliant Jorge Grant cross to seal three points. The victory moved the Jambos up to fourth in the Premiership table and gave them a huge boost ahead of Sunday’s Viaplay Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden.

Steven Naismith’s side were the better team against Livi but had failed to break them down before Vargas’ late winner. Skipper Lawrence Shankland hit the bar in the first half and saw another effort flash wide after the break. But Naismith’s two subs combined to give the Gorgie faithful something to cheer about.

Grant swivelled in the box and drilled a super ball across the six-yard line that was buried by Vargas. Livingston failed to trouble Hearts keeper Zander Clark all night and the defeat leaves them second bottom of the table.

Here’s three talking points from the Tynecastle clash.

For Hearts to have any chance at Hampden in Sunday’s semi-final against Rangers, they need their talisman Lawrence Shankland to perform.

The striker is in really good form right now and he was the Jambos’ best player against Livingston by a country mile.

He followed up a terrific display at Ibrox at the weekend with another excellent performance here.

Some of his hold-up play was superb, he linked the game for Steven Naismith’s side and was a constant threat to Livi.

Shankland hit the bar in the first half and was unlucky with another few efforts on goal.

He’s Hearts’ main man and if they’re going to trouble Rangers on Sunday and reach the Viaplay Cup Final, he might need to have the game of his life to get them there.

Steven Naismith has an issue in defence that