Elliot (right) was sent off as Hearts lost to Dundee United

The 20-year-old was given a hard time by sections of the Hearts supporters after the 3-1 defeat to Dundee United at Tynecastle.

"What Calum Elliot gives is hard work, commitment and desire," said Frail.

"People should know that he really is a Hearts man through and through, and he will give everything for the club."

MY SPORT: DEBATE Are Hearts fans unfair to boo Elliot?

Elliot was sent off in the match against Dundee United for handball in the closing stages, sparking anger from sections of the home support.

Yet Frail insists pinning the blame for such a result on a young player can only be counter-productive.

He believes the criticism fans have of Elliot's role in the Hearts attack could be caused by supporters not appreciating the duties he is asked to perform by sporting director Anatoly Korobochka.

"He has maybe been under pressure for not putting the full-backs under pressure, which makes it look like he is not trying," he said.

"The sport director wanted him to deal with the centre-backs so he was doing the job he was detailed to do."

"Even if he is going through some kind of sticky patch - and I really don't think it is anything like as serious as that - then he will come through it because he is too good not to."

"He is 100% committed and he is desperate to do well."

Elliot has scored two goals in nine appearances for the Hearts first team this season, having been with Hearts since 2004.