ROBBIE NEILSON has defended his decision to withdraw a new Hearts deal for Neil Alexander at the last minute after the goalkeeper spoke out about the way he was treated.

The 38-year-old shot stopper was a rock for the Edinburgh club last season as they returned to the Scottish top flight and helped steer them to third place at the first attempt.

Negotiations with the former Rangers man had been ongoing for months with Alexander believing it was all but a done deal until it was pulled away at the 11th hour last month.

He has since been snapped up by Aberdeen and will face his old team tomorrow as the pair play each other in a closed-doors friendly in St Andrews.

But, after the veteran keeper voiced his sadness at the manner in which his time at Tynecastle was cut short, Hearts boss Neilson spoke out about the decision to let Alexander go and push forward with youngster Jack Hamilton.

“When you are a manager you have to make the decision you feel is best for the football club and the team.

"And I felt it was the best decision to give Jack the opportunity to be our No.1 and bring Paul Gallacher in as our goalkeeper coach,” he said.

“We had spoken with Neil about the plans for the future, but in football things change quickly.

"Jack came in at the end of the season and did really well and was also involved in the international set-up.

“I have to make the decisions that is best for the football club. Neil is still a very good goalkeeper and will do very well, but I had to make a decision for the football club.”

Speaking earlier in the day, Alexander had said: "The contract was just pulled off the table. Robbie had his reason and, whether I agreed with it or not, he's sticking to his guns. It was his gut feeling and he wasn't going to change his mind.

“It’s hard, very hard. There’s no loyalty, emotion or sentiment in football. It’s dog eat dog and you have to look after yourself at some point.”