Craig Halkett has targeted January 1 for a return to duty with Hearts after his Achilles operation.
That took place around three months ago and the physios are happy with the way things are progressing.
Naturally, the defender is disappointed at missing the start of the season, and building on the partnership he had with Stuart Findlay.
But the concentration now is reaching the January 1 target which medical experts believe is achievable.
The former Livingston captain was included in the party which went to Spain for pre-season training and Halkett was appreciative of being part of that.
And he revealed that new head coach, Wouter Vrancken, has been “good to me” since he arrived.
Halkett told the club’s Matchday Programme: “He (Wouter) was keen to keep me involved, being one of the senior players.
“It was great going out to Spain. Sometimes it can be long, boring days in one place, in the gym, working with the same people.”
Halkett has been given the armband at Tynecastle, a club he has been with since 2019, and he said: “It is a huge honour to be captain of the football club. I have been here a long time, and I have worn the armband on previous occasions before, and you can never take it for granted.
“I’ve always seen myself as a leader about the pace and I was delighted when the gaffer told me that he wanted me to be the captain.”
Halkett explained that the captain is involved in “a lot of things”, in and around the changing room, but the 31-year-old former Rangers youth player added: “I can’t wait to get back out there to help the boys on the pitch.”
FLASHBACK: Craig Halkett training at The Oriam. Picture Nigel Duncan
