Harry’s living the gleam
PREMIERSHIP BOOTBOY’S KICKING ON Kid scrubs up well for the Jambos
HARRY COCHRANE insists there is no chance he will get too big for his boots – as he’s still cleaning Arnaud Djoum’s.
The 16-year-old turned in another top display against Dundee after entering the fray as an early sub, helping Hearts claim a 2-0 win at Tynecastle on Tuesday.
He has now racked up seven senior appearances since making his debut in the reverse fixture between the sides at Dens Park in September and has never looked out of his depth.
However, Cochrane still doesn’t have a peg in the senior squad’s dressing room at their Riccarton training base.
He gets changed with the Under-20s and groundstaff traditions, such as scrubbing boots, live on at Hearts. Just don’t expect a Christmas bonus for it.
Cochrane ticked off another career landmark on Tuesday evening – speaking to the assembled press for the first time – and he was quick to laud the grounding afforded to the kids at Tynecastle, regardless of how prominent their rise.
The youngster said: “It is important we are still involved with the Under-20s because that’s our age and we are still developing. We’re still actually cleaning boots.
“I’m do Foxy’s (coach Liam Fox) and Djoum’s. That’s all good for your discipline.
“Hopefully, I’ll get a Christmas bonus for that. Although I doubt I’ll get much off Foxy!
“Hearts keep us grounded and disciplined and make sure there is no chance we’ll get too cocky.
“I’m not going to go up and slag Aaron Hughes any time soon!
“But it’s amazing to be a part of things. It’s what you dream of, to get that opportunity to play in the first team. The manager is willing to give us a chance and it has come a lot sooner that I thought.
“I’m determined to take my opportunity.”
Remarkably, Cochrane was not the most inexperienced Hearts star on show against Dundee as another 16-year-old, Anthony McDonald, was handed his first ever outing for the club and dazzled on his debut.
He produced assists for Isma Goncalves and Christophe Berra and handled the occasion with aplomb, displaying the technique and quality that Jambos insiders have been raving about.
Boss Craig Levein was adamant that fielding McDonald was not a risk, as he is the closest thing to a replacement for the injured Jamie Walker that the club have – a mantle Cochrane reckons he will live up to.
He said: “I was buzzing for Anthony, to see him playing for the first team.
“He really is a great player, he’s so tidy on the ball. It’s exciting when you come through at the same time and I know Tony will be delighted.”
Meanwhile, Djoum faces a race against time to be fit for the visit of Celtic after limping off against Dundee with a calf strain. HARRY COCHRANE