'Haring return', 'eager Cochrane', 'WIGHTON!' - Three takeaways from Hearts' 3-1 win over Raith Rovers

Harry Cochrane impressed in the midfield for Hearts. Picture: SNS

Happy Haring

Peter Haring had waited 507 days to start a competitive game. It is a period which coincided with a disastrous slide down the league, and out of it. The Austrian evolved, quickly, into a totemic figure for Hearts, the team's most valuable player. He is back and back playing 90 minutes accompanied by the captain's armband which just felt right.

In a defensive trio, the way he started his Hearts career at Cove Rangers, Haring strolled the encounter. Not only was he dominant in the air, fans getting to see that mountainous presence, encouragingly he hasn't lost any composure on the ball or the crispness in his passing which should hopefully for Hearts, see him take a role in midfield and help with the intensity of play.

Eager Cochrane

When asked on Tuesday if Harry Cochrane would go out on loan Robbie Neilson said it wasn't in his plans. And after being overlooked for Scott McGill on Saturday, the midfielder got his first involvement of the season and was eager to impress. There is a real desire amongst the support for Cochrane to shine and the player provided a similar desire. He combined really well with Scott McGill in the centre of the pitch to provide a constant option for the ball and also a combativeness.

The eagerness did get the better of him at times as Neilson implored him to sit as a ‘two’ towards the end. But his infectiousness to get on the ball and try and make things happen, as he did with a wonderfully cutting pass to send Lewis Moore free, was great to see.

WIGHTON!

The reaction from team-mates and former colleagues to Craig Wighton’s hat-trick says a lot about his personality in and around the squad. A likeable forward who has struggled to win over the admiration of the fans. Yet, without supporters there to see, he made a huge stride forward with a hat-trick, including an excellent solo goal to confirm the match ball.

The 23-year-old will be a useful player this season with his pace and movement in behind, and he will be brimming with confidence, not just with the goals but with the fan reaction. Yes, there was bemusement but equally delight.

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