3-year scoring Ban won't stop Beni smiling

Hearts ace in depths of goal drought but on top of the world

- BY CRAIG SWAN

BEAMING Beni Baningime won't stop smiling like a kid as Hearts top the table.

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 sides Premiership charge which sees them six clear in the standings.

In fairness, the midfield star reckons hed be just the same regardless of the position as he tries to bring a childlike enthusiasm into the serious business. Baningime said: “I always try to enjoy football. You always see me smiling.

“I always try and get 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 to play and enjoy it as much as possible.

“Of course, youre 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 to enjoy it as much as possible. So that’s what I try to do. Theres pressure all the time but I've been here long enough. You deal with it - that’s the most important thing.

“It goes by so quickly. Obviously there’ 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.