Tiago Costa happy with life in Edinburgh

Hearts’ Portuguese defender Tiago Costa insists that he is happy to wait patiently for his chance in the Jambos’ first team, having struggled to make an impact since arriving in Scotland during the summer.

Costa signed for an undisclosed fee from Portuguese giants Benfica at the beginning of the season, but has found his chances in the first team surprisingly limited, especially given the importance placed on his arrival in the Scottish capital.

The 21-year-old made his debut in his side’s 4-1 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Premier League in August, and gave an assured display, but the centre-back has not played a single minute for the first team since.

Although Hearts possess a large squad, it has surprised many that Costa has not been a more regular fixture in manager Valdas Ivanauskas’ side, particularly given his versatility of also being able to play at right-back or in midfield.

However, the Portuguese refuses to complain: “I will say nothing,” he told the Edinburgh News. “I have no problem training, training, training. I played one game but then I got injured in my thigh. The gash was six centimetres. Now that the team is winning, it is difficult for me to get into the first eleven.”

“I am happy to stay here with Hearts because I know they are a very good club. Of course, I’m not happy when I don’t play. That is normal.”

“If I play, I’m happy. But it’s no problem. I will continue working, continue training and try to convince Valdas to play me. I have a good relationship with him.”

Friends with Miller

Having come through the youth ranks at the Estadio Da Luz, Costa remains a keen follower of Benfica, and took the recent opportunity to watch his old club play against Celtic in the Champions League. While admitting that the result was a disappointment, there was one aspect about the Hoops’ win that brought him some pleasure.

“I was happy to see Kenny Miller score two goals against Benfica because he is my next-door neighbour. I speak to him a lot and he has become my friend,” he said.

“I didn’t like the game on Tuesday, though. Benfica lost, and they are my team in Portugal. But Celtic played very well and their passing was superb.”

Celtic, current champions in Scotland appear to be the team to beat again in the title race this year, but Costa is positive when asked about his club’s chances of surpassing their rivals from Glasgow.

“If we continue as we have been playing, and continue to win almost all of our games, then we can get above them.”

“For this to happen we not only have to win home games but many of our away games too. We need to keep a positive mentality.”

Costa is equally as optimistic about his own future: “Fans question me in the street about when I will play. I tell them I don’t know. But I like Edinburgh; it’s a great city. My girlfriend and I have settled here so hopefully things can go well.”