BEAMING BENI JUST A KID AT HEART AS JAMBOS TOP TABLE

BENI BANINGIME can't stop smiling like a kid as Hearts sit proudly at the top of the William Hill Premiership table.

- BY CRAIG SWAN

But the Tynecastle hero will be even happier if he can answer Derek McInnes' call to end a goal drought spanning over three-and-a-half years. Baningime is savouring every second of his side's Premiership charge, which sees them six points clear of nearest rivals Celtic in the standings.

In fairness, the midfield star reckons he'd be just the same regardless of the position as he tries to bring a childlike enthusiasm into the serious business.

“I always try to enjoy football,” said the 27-year-old. “You always see me smiling. I always try and be the kid that has always loved football.

“Take everything away, I don't know, contract situations, just everything. “I don't know what everything is, just try and play and enjoy it as much as possible.

“Of course, you're playing to win, so it is a job. It's not about messing around and whatever. But within that, as a job, you just try and enjoy it as much as possible. So that's what I try and do.

“There's pressure all the time, but I've been here long enough. You deal with it and that's the most important thing.

“It goes by so quickly. Yes, there's seriousness, there's competition, there's a job to be done to win games, but, within that, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy it.