Frankie McAvoy says Hearts are ready to get stuck into the new season ahead of tomorrow’s trip to St. Johnstone.
The Jambos head to McDiarmid Park after a gruelling pre-season for the first match of the new cinch Premiership campaign.
With a number of new faces set to make their league debut, with new faces still to arrive, the Head Coach reckons the boys in maroon are in fine fettle ahead of opening day.
“We’ve had five or six weeks of pre-season, so now it’s time to crack on and get on to the real thing,” he said in his pre-match media conference. “I’m very pleased about the players we’ve brought in, there was a wee wait to bring new recruits – but signings are never an easy and straightforward process.
“One of the things we look at is background, what type of character are we bringing in. Kyosuke is one that we’ve watched and looked at for a wee while now. We’re delighted to have gotten him in through the door and are just waiting to hear back about his international clearance ahead of tomorrow.
“We’re hoping Kenneth Vargas will be here either over the weekend or early next week. Another exciting prospect – he’s a player that’s quick, able to get in behind defences. In short, we’re very happy with the business that we’ve done.”
A familiar face will grace the home dugout tomorrow with former Hearts striker Steven MacLean leading the Perth side.
Well aware of the challenge of a trip to McDiarmid Park, Frankie insists three points on matchday one is the sole focus – even with a mouth-watering European tie with Norwegian side Rosenborg on the horizon.
“Steven’s a young manager coming into the game and a guy that I have a lot of respect for,” he added. “Going to McDiarmid Park is always a tough trip – for any team. We’re going up against a side that’s hungry to do well. As are we, and we’ll be hoping to come out on top.
“European games are always a great occasion for the clubs and supporters, but I’m focused on tomorrow’s task which is St. Johnstone and we need to be respectful and mindful that that’s our opponents.”
Watch Frankie's press conference in full on Hearts TV here.
