Interviews

Hearts unbeaten as Cochrane shines

On loan defender has helped the Jam Tarts to second spot in the Scottish Premiership.

By Charlie Hanson • 05 October 2021

By David Mollison
Alex Cochrane scored his first goal for Hearts in a 3-0 win over Livingstone.

Alex Cochrane is loving life in Edinburgh after helping Hearts set the pace in Scotland’s top flight.

Robbie Nielsen's men sit second as they remain the only unbeaten side in the division and face leaders Rangers in their next game after the international break.

“I’ve played nearly every game and we’re sat second in the league and unbeaten, so it’s been a very good start,” Cochrane said.

By David Mollison
The defender has made seven Scottish Premiership appearances for Jam Tarts so far this campaign.

“On a personal note I am very happy, but it’s a long season ahead and there’s tough games coming up which is where it starts getting really challenging.”

City rivals Hibs lost the league’s only other unbeaten record when they went down 2-1 to Rangers on Sunday. Cochrane played in a goalless Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle last month.

“We’re really enjoying ourselves although we’re trying not to get too carried away because we’re only in October,” added Cochrane.

“There’s a high level of expectation on us, if it’s not to win then to at least put in a good performance and do our best for Hearts. We’re taking it in our stride and we’re working hard to maintain that level.”

The 21-year-old hopes his performances  – including scoring in a 3-0 win against Livingston a fortnight ago – have helped his reputation with Hearts supporters, although he’s not expecting them to start singing in his honour just yet!

“I am sure there were people who didn’t know much about me when I came to the club, but hopefully now they can see what sort of player I am and they like me. The fans haven’t got a song for me yet and I am not sure it’ll come anytime soon but maybe a bit further down the line.”

Hearts now look forward a top of the table clash in their next fixture when they take on Rangers at Ibrox.

“I hadn’t bookmarked this as a match between second and first at the start of the season, but we go into it with loads of confidence,” said Cochrane. “We know we can put on a very good show and there’s potential for us to get a decent result. It’s going to be so tough, especially the qualities that Rangers have.”