Sean Clare says there are no excuses for his Hearts form

The 22-year-old will play more of a central role and feels ready to do himself justice after playing catch-up for much of last year.

He arrived at Tynecastle Park in September after ankle surgery left him without a pre-season. This year he is free of injury and his body is in prime condition.

He is expected to be a key player when Hearts start their Betfred Cup campaign against Dundee United on Friday night.

“I’m feeling much better. I don’t have the injury and I feel fit and strong,” said Clare. “We’ve done a lot of fitness and strengthening work – stuff I missed or had to catch up on when I got here last season.

“I feel a lot fitter than when I first came because I’m not playing catch-up, I’m in amongst it. I am injury-free at the moment so hopefully I stay like that.”

Clare takes responsibility for his own form even when not in peak condition. He struggled for his best form initially but has come through this summer’s pre-season seamlessly so far. He scored in Saturday’s friendly defeat by Glenavon in Northern Ireland.

“I have to take responsibility for all of it. I wasn’t 100 per cent fit at times last year but it’s down to me to put in performances when I’m not fit. Others have to do it,” he said. “Now I feel fitter, it’s up to me whether I play well or bad. I have to move forward and learn so there are no excuses.”