We’re back.. and that’s bad news for Gers
HALKETT: Don’t count on an Old Firm final
CRAIG HALKETT is convinced Hearts can defy the odds and scupper the hopes of those desperate for an Old Firm cup final.
The Glasgow giants will be heavy favourites to come out on top in the east v west Betfred Cup semi-final clashes with the Jambos facing Rangers and their Edinburgh rivals taking on Celtic.
But Halkett reckons Craig Levein’s rejuvenated side can pull off a shock against Steven Gerrard’s men at the start of November.
The defender netted a dramatic last-gasp header to make it 2-2 and force extra time against Aberdeen at Tynecastle on Wednesday night before the Jambos won the penalty shoot-out.
That made it three semifinal appearances on the spin for Hearts who lost on their last trip to Hampden in the Scottish Cup Final with Celtic.
The Jambos haven’t lifted the League Cup since 1962 and last reached the final in 2013 when they lost to St Mirren.
The Old Firm’s last final meeting was in the League Cup eight years ago when Gers won 2-1 and many will expect them to collide again on December 8.
But asked if Hearts can prevent that happening, Halkett said: “I think so, definitely. When teams get to semi-finals you’re not going just there to take part, you want to go and win.
“The squad on paper is really strong and on our day, if we perform well, we can beat anyone.”
Hearts showed spirit to twice come from behind against the Dons and complete a massive four days for the club on the back of a 2-1 derby win at Easter Road.
And Halkett senses the belief is coming back in the squad after a turbulent time which has seen fan protests calling for Levein to be axed.
The 24-year-old former Livingston centre-half said: “We sat down before the derby on Sunday and said it was important to not only win that game but try to kick on from that and win two, three, four games after that.
“As much as the derby was important for everyone and great for the fans and the club, it was really important to get to a semi-final.
“Behind closed doors as a squad we are really strong. It was just about getting that first win and kicking on. Hopefully we will do that.”
Halkett, freed by Rangers, admitted he used his old striker’s instincts to grab the late leveller, having also scored a couple at the death in the group stage against Stenhousemuir.
It was a dramatic night and he said: “It was a brilliant game to be involved in.
“As a footballer those are the games you want to be involved in, quarter-finals and semi-finals.
“I’m just delighted to get this club to another semi. The manager was telling me to get forward at the end but I wasn’t actually sure what he was trying to tell me at first!
“But once I got the message to go up front, I was obviously delighted. It was back to my old days as a striker.
“When I was younger, when I first signed for Rangers, I was a striker. It was just a bit of the old play there.
“People might be thinking I’m more of a striker now than a centre-back.
“I’m just delighted. When you get the nod to go up front you just try to help the team any way you can.
“Throughout the game we started fast and well. Going
You are not going to a semi just to take part. You want to win CRAIG HALKETT
behind twice is never ideal but it just showed the character of the team that we came back twice and went on to win the game on penalties.
“We started really fast and once you get this crowd behind you it’s amazing, it’s a great atmosphere.
“It’s such a difference from what it has been in previous weeks and it really does help.
“The belief is coming back and hopefully we can kick on from here. In previous weeks the crowd has shown frustration and rightly so.
“But the manager said it was important that we came out sharp because he knows this crowd will get on your side and affect the opposition.
“We’re just thankful they did that. We went behind twice with two penalties which maybe wasn’t deserved but they still got behind us and it really helped us.”