Barry Anderson: My 3 Hearts players pivotal to an incredible season - including most improved man

A number of Hearts mainstays have underpinned an already incredible season regardless how the next nine games go. The Edinburgh club sit top of the Premiership by five points having led the chasing pack since September. They have scored goals, defended manfully, swamped opponents, maximised set-pieces, rode their luck at times and needed a few breathtaking saves in goal along the way.

Now, who are the key men influencing this charge towards a first Scottish league title since 1960? Head coach Derek McInnes, with the help of Jamestown Analytics, has signed some highly talented individuals for minimal outlay since taking charge at Tynecastle Park last summer. Others were already in the building and have simply cemented themselves as integral to the manager’s plans.

Here are the three players I believe have influenced Hearts’ campaign most:

CRAIG HALKETT

Quite simply the best defender in Scotland this season, bar none. Harry Milne at left-back has been absolutely magnificent in both a defensive and attacking sense, but even he can’t quite touch Halkett for overall consistency and reliablity. The central defender shed nearly five kilograms in weight over last summer and reported back to Riccarton for pre-season training in phenomenal shape. It has benefitted him and Hearts immensely. He is an automatic choice in his position, reads the game superbly and almost never gets caught for pace despite not being known for speed. He is also imperious in the air and a winner on the ground. Very rarely has an opposing forward got away from Halkett. The 30-year-old has also contributed six goals in 29 appearances so far this season - including vital winners against Hibs and Livingston. Should he be rewarded with a Scotland call-up this month, it would be thoroughly deserved for he is the most improved player at Tynecastle.

CAMMY DEVLIN

Currently out injured and nearing a return from an ankle problem. The Australian’s tenacity has been missed by Hearts since he was sidelined in January, but the more composed aspects of his game have gone to a new level this season. Devlin now passes the ball better, thinks more about his distribution, his movement and which tackles to make. His discipline has also improved. Last season he was booked 13 times and sent off once in 41 games. This year, he has played 27 times to date and received just five yellow cards. The rash and overzealous decision-making which hindered his game previously has been addressed. He has refined himself into arguably the best midfielder in Scotland, and a key component in Hearts push for the league title. His return can’t come quickly enough.

CLAUDIO BRAGA

It is incredibly tough to separate Braga from the Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, another who is currently recovering from injury. Greek winger Alexandros Kyziridis has also enjoyed a superb campaign after joining Hearts 12 months ago. Braga, though, edges it because his overall goal involvements are highest of the three. The Portuguese forward has scored 15 times and claimed six assists from 35 games in all competitions this term. Shankland is close behind with 15 goals and four assists from 26 appearances. Kyziridis has six goals and seven assists after 33 outings. Braga’s work-rate, running power, versatility and physicality are added attributes which make him one of the Premiership’s best strikers. He could well be a serious contender for Scotland’s Player of the Year.