Back in April, Craig Halkett signed a pre-contract agreement, locking in a move from Livingston to Hearts.
The ex-Livi skipper and former Rangers academy player was unveiled at Tynecastle last week as pre-season kicked into gear.
He will be keen to impress new manager, Craig Levein. Particularly, as he faces a tough battle for game time with the likes of John Souttar and Christophe Berra ahead of him.
Perhaps in his eagerness to impress, he’s made a far-fetched comparison between Hearts and Rangers.
“I was one of those boys who was guilty of underestimating them,” Halkett told the Scotsman. “Growing up in Glasgow, through there it is all about the Old Firm. When I signed, people through in Edinburgh told me I would only really realise how big Hearts are when I go through and get involved.
“Rangers and Celtic in Glasgow are just the same as Hearts and Hibs in Edinburgh. It’s that big. So it is brilliant to be a part of it.”
“It’s a totally different level. The first day I came in loads of people came over to introduce themselves. At that point, I had to start apologising because there were too many names to remember at the one time. It’s a massive club, it’s so well organised and I’m just really looking forward to the season getting started.”
Verdict
Halkett is obviously looking to say things that will get him onside with the Hearts faithful. Yet, he must know these comments don’t ring true.
There is no comparison to the Rangers and Celtic rivalry in Scotland. Hearts as a club are nowhere near the size of the Gers.
Granted, Edinburgh is a smaller city than Glasgow. Yet, the Jambos don’t sell out Tynecastle on a weekly basis. It’s a big leap to say a club with attendances of approximately 17,000, equates in any way with one that just sold 45,757 season tickets.
Halkett has undoubtedly made a step up in trading Livi for Hearts, though. Furthermore, while he’s got carried away here, he’s a strong centre-back who the Edinburgh side have done well to snap up for free.
