Craig Halkett misses the trip to Aberdeen in the William Hill Premiership on Sunday, November 23 (15.00) after the international break because of suspension, and he is not a happy man on two counts.
One, the defender does not believe his challenge in the 1-1 draw at Tynecastle with Dundee United on Sunday warranted a yellow card from match referee John Beaton, the player’s sixth so far this term.
And two, because he wants to play in every game, particularly as he has ground to make up after lengthy spells on the sidelines in recent seasons through injury.
Undoubtedly, the visit to the Granite City is a crucial fixture with Celtic now only seven points adrift of the pace-setting Men in Maroon but The Bhoys have a game in hand.
Despite the unwanted yellow card, Halkett (pictured training at Riccarton) will not change the way he plays and said: “I am a defender, I need to make hard tackles.”
The former Rangers and Livingston defender missed the 4-0 home win over Dundee before being given the nod for the fixture against United and he was hoping to be in the frame for the Pittodrie clash where Hearts are keen to record their first victory there for nine long seasons.
The 30-year-old said: “I missed the Dundee game, came back in for Sunday (against United), we’re going on a break (international) now and we come back and I am missing the next game.”
He’s frustrated and it showed.
Kirkintilloch High-educated Halkett added that Hearts were disappointed not to beat United, but acknowledged that the Jambos have been on a good run. Indeed, they sit on top of the pile with 30 points from 12 games and the 6ft tall player said: “We’ve still got a wee bit more to give.”
