Kingsley's "big characters" boost

Key figures are returning to the fray at a perfect time, with Rangers coming to Tynecastle tomorrow to bring the curtain down on the Premiership season.
 
With the cup final to come, and Rangers contesting a European final next Wednesday, you would be forgiven for thinking that it would be cruise control until then.
 
But our imperious defender insists that standards have been set, with Hearts looking to build momentum ahead of our date at Hampden.
 
“On paper, yeah, I can see why people would think it was a strange situation,” he told the media in his news conference.
 
“We can’t afford to think like that, we’re going into it and treating it like it’s every other match. We’ve obviously had two losses on the bounce, so we want to get that winning feeling back and build some momentum going into the week after that.
 
“It’s been great getting the boys back. We’ve missed a lot of big characters so it’s really given the rest of the group a lift seeing them return.”
 
It’s been a delightful season down Gorgie way, with Hearts sewing up third and European football in style. It’s been a good season, but the oft-repeated mantra at Oriam is that there’s still time to make it a great season.
 
“It’s been a good season, I’m very happy with where we are in the league. We’ve kept a good level of consistency at a high level with a few dips here and there as expected. We’ve talked about it in the changing room, that we still have a chance to make it a great season,” he added.
 
“It’s been one of the, if not the, best seasons of my career. I obviously struggled with injuries at my last club so coming up the road and getting game time and consistency has been amazing. I’ve been able to properly enjoy my football again.
 
“The fans have been brilliant all year, they come out in numbers and always support you through thick and thin. It’s going to be a brilliant game and atmosphere tomorrow as it always is at Tynecastle. Everyone is looking forward to it.”
 
You can catch Stephen’s full Pre-Rangers news conference on Hearts TV.