Alex Cochrane's loan at Scottish Premiership side Hearts couldn't have got off to a better start, as he netted on his debut in a 7-0 friendly win over Spartans.
“I went on a 40-yard sprint on the counter attack and the ball fell to me at the back stick, so I’ve had the straightforward job of putting it away. It was fairly easy – it was my first goal in about two-and-a-half years!” the 21-year-old said.
“I managed to keep my cool with my celebration, it was only a friendly at the end of the day, I didn’t want to overdo it. Hopefully I can save the celebration for the big games.
“It was nice to pull on the shirt for the first time and having been out injured for six months it was good to just get out there again. I felt really good and it was a positive experience.”
The Jam Tarts' league campaign starts with the visit of Celtic, the sort of game Cochrane can’t wait for.
“It’s a top league with some massive teams. I am looking forward to getting started.
“As soon as I came up here I was excited to get going and show what I’ve got to the manager. I want to kick on this season and enjoy myself.”
While the visit of Ange Postecoglou’s team is no doubt a big game, Cochrane is under no illusion as to which game Hearts supporters are most excited for.
“Hearts against Hibs is a different level of derby to my experience in Belgium last season. I’ve been getting messages from the fans saying ‘your most important game for us is when we play Hibs, we need to beat them!’ There is a split between the maroon side and the green side in Edinburgh, it’ll be a great experience if I am involved in it.
“I’ve had a lot of messages since I came to the club. I’ve been told that if you give 100% on the pitch then the supporters will back you no matter what, they have their players’ backs. It’s a massive club and I’ve realised since I moved up here.”