'Players are even more unhappy' - Hearts ace Peter Haring responds to fan discontent

Peter Haring started in midfield against Dunfermline. Picture: SNS

The Austrian has had a watching brief for much of the season but has started two of the last three matches as fan discontent has come to the fire at Tynecastle in recent weeks.

Haring, handed his first league start against Dunfermline since the start of January, called on his colleagues to not get too emotional but stay focused on getting it right on the park.

“When the fans are unhappy, you can imagine the players are even more unhappy the same way,” he told the Evening News.

"At the end of the day it’s down to us to do better and the last few weeks have not been anywhere near good enough.

"Obviously we are frustrated. In those situations it is not good to get too emotional. You just need to stay focused and get your head right, work it out everyday, especially after bad results.

"Every session being on the pitch, getting your confidence back and the quicker the games come the better. Within the team you need to be patient and you need to be confident and believe in yourself.”

Haring played down the impact of no fans in the stadium on the team’s performances.

“We missed the fans the whole year,” he said. “We know the situation as well.

"As tough as it is playing in empty stadiums we’ve had enough time to get used to the circumstances. Everyone has to deal with the situation as is so there is not really any point thinking in that direction.”