Some fans might point out that the inclement conditions haven’t much to do with Oshaniwa’s liking for Cruyff turns on the edge of his own box. Neither are they a reason for the impulsiveness that led to him conceding a penalty shortly after kick-off in Wednesday night’s 3-2 win over Dundee United.Neilson, however, has applauded the Nigerian willingness to take risks. He has urged fans to understand that players such as Oshaniwa and Juanma, who has now served a two-game suspension after being red-carded for a headbutt incident against St Johnstone, are still adapting to a new environment – and a new climate.
Neilson acknowledged that the player is struggling at present after making such a promising impression at the start of the season. Christmas and New Year can be a trying time for new arrivals from abroad cut adrift from their families. Then there are other challenges to overcome, such as hurricanes.
“He is just finding it a bit difficult to adapt at the moment, similar to Juanma,” said Neilson, on the morning after Oshaniwa’s performance against United attracted criticism from the stands. “He is coming in to a different culture, different pitches. He is not used to playing on a pitch like where it has been battering down with rain for three weeks.”
The left-back arrived at Tynecastle boasting international pedigree with Nigeria. But Neilson insists Oshaniwa, who was playing his club football in Israel before signing for Hearts in the summer, is not yet the real deal – otherwise he would not be at Hearts.
“It is just about being patient,” he said. “We are bringing these guys in to try and develop them. None of them are the finished article. There is scope to try and progress them. That is something we need to do with them all.
“We do not get players in that are finished articles. They need developed. They are all like that. Juanma, Blazej [Augustyn], Oshaniwa, they all they need to develop here as well.
