First team

Halkett: Fit again and raring to go

20 September 2024

Craig Halkett says he’s feeling fighting fit following his return to action, as he aims to help Hearts to their first three points of the season.

 

After a difficult two years battling injuries, the defender played a full 90 minutes in the Jambos’ 2-0 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead last weekend.

 

Although on the wrong side of the result that day, Craig is hopeful the men in maroon can kick on and get that vital first win under their belts.  

 

“It’s coming up two years and it’s been difficult, very stop start for me,” he told the media ahead of the game.

 

“This season’s been good, it’s the first one in a while where I was able to get a proper pre-season. I’m feeling fit and ready to go.

 

“The start of the season was obviously difficult on a personal level, based on how well the boys have done this last year. I spoke to the manager to see where I stood and just bided my time and waited for the opportunity to come in.

 

“It was good to get 90 minutes at Celtic, result aside, but now I can hopefully come in and help the team. You can train on the pitch as much as you want, but match sharpness only comes by playing games.”

 

The Jambos head to Paisley to face the seventh placed Buddies, with three points dearly wanted by everyone connected to the club.

 

Whilst naturally frustrated at the difficult start to the campaign, the defender believes the men in maroon have enough quality to get themselves out of their current rut.

 

“The confidence obviously isn’t where we’d like it to be with results,” he explained.

 

“That said, everyone’s working hard to put that right. Coaches, players, and the fans. When you’re at Hearts, you’ve got pressure every week, whether you’re winning or losing.

 

“We all know what the situation is but we’re confident we’ve got the quality of squad to go and turn it around. Hopefully that comes this weekend, and we can take it from there.”

 

You can watch Craig’s full press conference on Hearts TV.