Hearts star sets target after new contract signed as 'statement of intent' leaves Derek McInnes beaming
The important Hearts player has signed a new contract ahead of the Edinburgh derby.
Craig Halkett has his eyes fixed on 200 Hearts appearances after penning fresh terms to remain in Gorgie.
The central defender has battled injury problems and helped the Jambos out of the Championship since joining from Livingston in 2019, but is now reaping positive rewards, after a consistent run of matches under head coach Derek McInnes. He has been paramount in defence as Hearts sit top of the Premiership heading into Saturday’s derby with Hibs.
Halkett is buzzing to have signed fresh terms until 2028 that will take him close to a decade in maroon, but first of all, the 200-game landmark is firmly in his thoughts. He told Hearts TV: “I think 200 and even going past that, I think it's got to be the aim. Like I said, getting myself into the position that I've got myself in now. I'm fit, I'm healthy and I don't see why there's any reason that I don't go and make a lot more.”
Why Craig Halkett has signed new Hearts contract
He added on his deal: “I'm delighted. It's a great feeling for me and my family. I've been here a long time, and I'm just delighted that I've got another couple of years here now, so I'm buzzing. Back when I signed in 2019, it’s been a bit up and down, but the last few years have been tough with injury and stuff like that, but I feel like this year, I've come back and I'm in a good place.
"The team is in a good place. The whole building's feeling good at the moment, so it's a great place to be at the moment. I said back in the summer, it was one of my main aims at the start of the season, to come back in great shape and play as many games as I could, to try and earn a new contract. Like I said, the last few years have been tough.
“I hadn't played anywhere near as many games as I wanted to play, so it was important this summer to go away, work hard, come back in the best shape I possibly could and start the season well and, thankfully, I've done that.
Derek McInnes on Craig Halkett’s Hearts contract
“The squad we've got this year has been brilliant. It's obviously a big squad and everyone's fighting and training hard to play every single week and I think that's something the manager has stressed on everyone. You need to be ready to play when you're called upon.
“We've played a number of different combinations at the back, whether it's been a back three, back five, back four and everyone's come in and done really well. It's a good place to be, but I think it's a good thing knowing that you need to turn up Monday to Friday and train really well to make sure you get to play on a Saturday.”
McInnes said: “It’s great to get Craig secured on a longer-term deal. I’ve been working with him closely now over the last six months and he’s exactly the type of player that I knew he would be and can be. I’m delighted that we’re going to continue this work together, and I think it’s a good statement of intent from the club to secure someone who is so important to us going forward.”