Rising stars can shine

The rising stars at Tynecastle will have a chance to shine early this season, according to boss Gary Locke.

With a first-team squad of just 21 players, the manager has admitted he will have to call upon the services of his younger players earlier than might normally have been the case.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for them," he said. "They would get a chance even if we had a full first-team squad, we saw that last year. But now some of them might go in the team when they don't expect it - we can only play the players that are here - the squad is paper thin.

"But it is a close-knit squad and barring injuries and suspensions I feel we have a good squad and we will do our best. Most of the boys have come through the academy and they know what it is all about at this club and what it means to play for this club.

"I am quietly confident we can do reasonably well. It will be a huge task, of course, we are 15 points adrift without kicking a ball so we are going to be up against it."

The manager is banking on the Hearts fans doing what they do best - supporting the players.

"There is nothing better than a full Tynecastle with the fans getting right behind the team," Gary said. "They have shown their passion in the summer and I have no doubt they will show it in the first couple of home games of the season.

"It is also up to the team, whatever that may be, to try to give the fans something to shout about. Hearts fans really do get behind their own, I experienced that myself as a player and they are fantastic for that.

"You have seen what the club means to the fans and what it means to the players and the backroom staff. If you have that type of mentality at the football club you have half-a-chance.

"It has been a difficult summer but the main thing is that the football club is still here. This football club is bigger than anyone and it is a privilege to be working with it."

Hearts World