Hearts defender Craig Halkett going to extreme measures to get fit for Scottish Cup final against Rangers

Craig Halkett was willing to go to extremes to get back into the Hearts line-up ahead of next weekend’s Scottish Cup final.

Picking up what initially looked like a season-ending ankle injury in last month’s semi-final against Hibs, he feared he may have to settle for a cheerleading role on the sidelines.

But, after he came through the final 15 minutes of the side’s league season, in a match they lost 3-1 to Rangers, he said the effort was worth it as he now plots greater involvement at Hampden.

“When we first got the scan and realised what the injury was, there was talk of an operation and I thought it was season over.

“But once we saw the specialist, he said there was a small chance I could play, so it was a no-brainer for me and for the manager. It’s a cup final - you do everything you can to get fit.

“We realised it would be tight but there would be a chance of getting back.

“I’ve actually been going into what’s called an extreme environment chamber in Hamilton.

“You’re in a room with a couple of bikes, treadmills, rowing machines and you can set the temperature, the altitude and the humidity. Just the other week there, I was on the bike for 40 minutes in 35 degree heat, 3,000 altitude. So it’s tough. Not that I was thanking them at the time, but looking forward to next week, hopefully it’s going to be hugely beneficial for me.”

A way of keeping fit while his body recuperates, he has given his gaffer Robbie Neilson selection options ahead of Saturday.

“I’ve been there five or six times, working really hard. To be honest, [the sessions] don’t feel good. The guy there said you will feel a wee bit dizzy and a wee bit sick after and that first night I went home and I was just on my couch for a couple hours. But it’s great