Tapping keen to impress at Tynecastle

Callum TAPPING says his move from Tottenham to Hearts represents a “great chance” to prove himself in senior football.

Tapping was on trial at Riccarton earlier this summer and turned out for a young Jambos team in the annual Oban tournament, impressing sufficiently to earn a two-year deal and a place in the high-flying Hearts under-19 side.

The London-born ace knows he will have to work hard to gain a place in academy director John Murray’s youth side before progressing to the first team, but he sees his return north – Tapping lived most of his young life just outside Falkirk – as a positive career move.

“Tottenham was a great experience but Hearts is a great chance for me,” said the 18-year-old. “I’m really looking forward to my time here. There is a lot of quality and fierce competition for places.”

Tapping completed his move to Hearts from Spurs shortly after the two clubs had concluded their two-legged Europa League play-off tie.

The young midfielder saw his then-prospective employers brushed aside at Tynecastle 5-0, but saw enough promise in their performance in the return leg to harbour high hopes for the Jambos’ future.

“I watched them play in the Europa League last month, especially in the second leg,” said the Scotland under-19 cap.

“I thought they were outstanding in the 0-0 draw in London.”

Hearts first-team players Marius Zaliukas and Arvydas Novikovas emerged unscathed from and with praise for their displays in Lithuania’s 1-0 loss to Scotland at Hampden last night. Both players will be in contention to feature in the Hearts team at Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday.