Craig Halkett targets third time lucky for Hearts against 'European giant' as defender looks to shake curse

Craig Halkett could be forgiven for thinking his European dream was cursed ever since he first stepped onto the foreign stage with Hearts two years ago.

Limping off after just seven minutes of his continental debut away to FC Zurich in an August 2022 Europa League play-off was dire. Lasting just 23 minutes on his return against RFS in the Conference League four weeks later - thanks to the same hamstring injury flaring up - was devastating. But still nowhere near as bad as the ACL injury that arrived three months later and wiped out an entire year of the 29-year-old’s career.

That combined half hour of action is still all the big defender has on his Euro CV and he’s been reduced to watching on from the sidelines as the Jambos have been on their travels this season with Frankie Kent, Kye Rowles and Stephen Kingsley the preferred central defensive options.

If it wasn’t for bad luck Halkett would have had no luck at all when it comes to his fitness. But that might all be about to change here in Denmark as Halkett and co prepare to face what he insists is a “European giant” on Thursday night.

While he would never choose to profit from a team mate’s misfortune the former Livingston stopper could keep his spot in the back four against Copenhagen after his towering performance against Dundee as he stepped in for crocked Stephen Kingsley who himself has been ruled out for months with a hamstring injury.

And if the opportunity does indeed present itself he’s determined to take full advantage as the Jambos look to lay down a marker against the Danish Superliga leaders who last season reached the last 16 of the Champions League. Reflecting on his limited Euro experience, Halkett said: “I’ve had no minutes in it whatsoever this