Islam Chesnokov in fitness admission over start to Hearts career as social media explosion catches attention

Islam Chesnokov admits he needed time to adapt at Hearts as he hopes to make a sustained impact in the Premiership title race.

The winger’s pre-contract signing was one that excited supporters after impressing in Kazakhstan with FC Tobol and the national team, but he was put into a mini pre-season upon his eventual Gorgie arrival. He has started matches against Hibs and Rangers, scoring the winner in last week’s victory against Falkirk, and is likely to feature this weekend at home versus Aberdeen.

Chesnokov has spoken with Hearts TV on his start to life at the club and admits match fitness levels had to be scaled up. He’s now looking forward to what the rest of this season could bring, as his new side sit four points clear at the top of the league, with rivals Rangers and Celtic facing each other this Sunday.

Islam Chesnokov on start to life at Hearts

"Incredible feeling,” Chesnokov said. “I dreamed of playing and scoring here. Most importantly, we achieved such an important and difficult victory. I wouldn’t say a weight lifted off my shoulders. It just gives confidence — I think every footballer gets that when they score.

“The main thing is that Hearts keep winning. He [Derek McInnes] thanked everyone for the three points and told us to keep going in the same spirit. It’s clear that recently I wasn’t playing, and people started worrying. But this is football — those who understand it knew that it takes time.

“I made my first start against Hibernian in a home derby. They prepared me for it as a real battle — and that’s how it turned out. "I hadn’t played since the end of November, so I needed training time. Even if you arrive already fit, you still need time to adapt. And when you come after not training for a month and a half, and join a new team, you definitely need time."

Islam Chesnokov on support from Kazakhstan

His low effort beyond Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain made the Hearts winger the first Kazakh player to score in Scottish football. It’s something that is not lost on the Gorgie changing room as Chesnokov starts to love life in Scotland’s capital city.

"Of course, I notice it," Chesnokov added. The guys in the team even joke about it a bit. When I got into the starting lineup, the boys said, ‘That’s it, now the Kazakhstan flag is going to explode in the comments.’ I’m fine with it. After all, I represent Kazakhstan, so it’s normal.

"Everything’s great. I live in an apartment, eat at the training base, so everything is good. I study [English] twice every week, so I hope I’ll be speaking soon."