New signing Jamie McCart admits he’s already looking forward to his Tynecastle debut, but it’s all eyes on Aberdeen first and foremost as the Jambos prepare to travel to the Granite City on Sunday.
McCart made his debut at Tannadice last weekend as a substitute as the men in maroon saw out a clean sheet to take all three points in the city of Discovery.
The defender, formerly of St Johnstone admits he was settled at Rotherham United, but as soon as he learned of interest from the Jambos, it was a move he wanted to make.
Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, he said:
“I’m delighted to be here. I think it's an obvious decision when a club like Hearts come in for you. And they were so keen to get me, I think that made the decision all the easier.
“I had no plans of coming back up, I was really enjoying it down south. But like I said, a club the size of Hearts with the ambitions they've got as well, it was a no-brainer. I had six months left, so obviously the first of January, Hearts made it known to me that they would like to take me on a pre-contract and possibly in the January. It was a pretty easy discussion to have with them. It went quite smoothly. I spoke with the gaffer and Jonesy [Graeme Jones] and they sold it to me instantly.
“I think it's always the same at a club like Hearts. As you know, the ambitions and the standards that the club and the fans demand, which is to be up close at the top of the table and competing for a cup. I think the boys have had an unfortunate start to the season, but I think performances on the whole have been good and probably misled our position in the table. I think our current goal is obviously just to keep climbing the table, keep getting three points on the board.
“But at a club like Hearts, the standards are so high that you've got to keep pushing for more. I think it's just looking up the table, climbing up it. Every game has got to be, we're looking to win it, which is always the same at Hearts, but even more so now because of the league position. I think that's the expectation that always comes with every game at Hearts, regardless of who you're playing.
On his Tannadice debut, he added:
“It was obviously a really good result. I think a good performance as well. I think on another day, it could have been more, which has maybe been the story of the season up until now. It's just being clinical and finishing games off. It was back-to-back wins. The Gaffer said that was the first time this season, so it's something we can build on.”
Finally, McCart admits he’s desperate to experience Tynecastle for the first time following the Jambos’ two upcoming away matches.
Yes, I think I said that when I signed. Tynecastle is probably my favourite stadium to play at. Even as an opposition player, it's just a really good arena to play football. I'll be looking forward to it.”
You can watch Jamie’s press conference in full on Hearts TV.
