Alexandros Kyziridis welcomed his first child, a boy, and scored the game-winner which sent Hearts into an eight-point lead at the summit of the William Hill Premiership.
However, the Greek-born player, who harbours a desire to play for his national side, declined to speculate on the Tynecastle team’s chances of lifting the title.
Rather, he focused on Wednesday night’s tough trip to St Mirren (19.45), the team which dumped the Jambos out of the Scottish League Cup this season after a penalty shootout.
There was no doubting that this had been memorable week for the 25-year-old, Macedonian-born, player (pictured right by Nigel Duncan in training) who arrived at Gorgie on a three-year during the summer, after the expiry of a contract with Slovakian side MHK Zemplin Michaovce.
He was described as one of Slovakian football’s success stories, a pacey, direct attacker with an eye for goal. He has lived up to his pre-billing and he has quickly become a fans favouite and one of Scottish football’s success stories.
For the record, the 5ft 10in winger is a product of the youth development programme of Greek side PAOK and Kyziridis made his professional debut in 2018.
He’s come a long way. The player sat on the stage in the media room at Tynecastle after the 3-1 victory over champions Celtic and his smile said it all as he looked out on a sea of cameras and media men to reflect on his momentous week.
The darting winger has wowed Jambos fans and he is a man who has certainly caught the eye of the pundits. He is a man to watch, and his bursting runs down the left proved decisive against The Hoops, tormenting the patched up Celtic rearguard.
Now for Paisley on Wednesday (19.45). The player said the win over Celtic was “amazing” but he quickly commented: “That is for today. Tomorrow, we must be focused on Wednesday’s game.” Matter of fact.
Asked if the victory should start people thinking about Hearts challenging for the title he said: “I do not want to talk about that. So many games left. We focus game by game.”
However, Kyziridis added: “It is a week I well remember. Hard week to be honest but, by far, the best week of my life. My son arrived and I am so happy.”
The player admitted that preparing for Sunday’s game was hard after the birth, but he said: “I will get used to it. My wife was always looking for him so I could sleep, and I sleep well. Thanks to her.”
He would also not be drawn on whether Kzyridis Jun would play for Scotland. The best the media could get was: “We will see. Mabey yes, mabey no.”
