McInnes: Hearts have a concentration issue, not a disciplinary problem

Derek McInnes has said Hearts have a “concentration” issue, not a disciplinary problem, after three red cards in their last six games.

Craig Halkett became the third Hearts player to be sent off in their last six league matches, and it ended up proving costly as they fell to their third Premiership defeat of the season at St Mirren on Tuesday.

The Tynecastle’s lead at the top was stripped to just three points after Rangers beat Kilmarnock 5-1 at Ibrox on Wednesday night.

However, as the title run-in continues, McInnes does not worry about his squad having a “discipline” issue, and instead has urged his side to stay concentrated throughout the match.

“We have no complaints with any of the red cards”, he said.

“Alex (Schwolow) at Dundee was just a situation we got ourselves into. The other night was just a tackle on the edge of the box.

“So it’s not like there’s a discipline problem, but there needs to be a focus on us to stay fully concentrated at all times. I think you could aim

“I think you could use a couple of the red cards to highlight the focus and how it arrives at that situation, and for me, that’s more about concentration than discipline.”

Midfielder Beni Baningime, who has proved a crucial part of Hearts’ midfield engine as the title charge continues, is out of contract in the summer.

McInnes has admitted it is someone he would love to keep, as he confirmed the club has opened talks with the player.

The talks are with Graeme Jones and Beni’s agent”, he said.

“Beni knows how I feel about him. Beni is a player who, over time here, I think has been good. He has a big part to play.

“I believe there are conversations being had.”