Craig Halkett explains why he did not talk to other clubs before signing new Hearts deal

The possibility of European football is increasing with the club challenging at the Premiership’s top end, Halkett recently signed an extended contract, plus a potential Scottish Cup run is now underway. This is what the player envisioned when leaving Livingston for Tynecastle Park in summer 2019.

He is settled in the middle of a three-man defence, the role he performed with distinction as captain in West Lothian. He is playing arguably the best football of his career in a prospering and exuberant team.

“You could definitely say that. Along with me the team is in a really good place. We’re all working hard towards the same goal. That’s benefiting everyone in the team, not just me,” explained the 26-year-old.

Even before agreeing terms for that new contract, Halkett said he wasn’t tempted to look elsewhere or enter into conversations with other clubs. “It was all about Hearts, if I’m honest,” he stressed.

“The contract talks began at the start of December but it was such a busy period with games that it was felt it was best just to put it on the backburner and just concentrate on my football, which is what we did.

“Then came the winter break so that was a good time to sit down and talk through everything to try to get it sorted. Thankfully we did it pretty quickly – but it was always going to be Hearts for myself.

“When I signed for Hearts I always knew I was coming to a club that would always be pushing for the top end of the table, European spots and cup finals. The first 18 months didn’t really work out that way but the last six months have been really good. There are a lot of good things to be looking forward to now.”

Not least Celtic’s visit to Gorgie on Wednesday evening. “The break came at a good time for us,