Hearts kids keep Cowie grounded

DON COWIE admits he shudders when he’s reminded that wonderkids Harry Cochrane and Anthony McDonald hadn’t been born when he made his senior debut.

However, the Hearts stalwart has nothing but praise for the impact made by the dynamic duo – and reckons they are the tip of the iceberg in a golden generation at Tynecastle.

Predicting that ten youngsters could break into the first-team picture, Cowie firmly believes the current crop will be comparable with the batch of kids that saw Jamie Walker, Callum Paterson and Sam Nicholson emerge.

Cochrane, 16, scored his first goal for the club in Sunday’s startling 4-0 win over Celtic, while another player born in 2001, McDonald, also featured – just days after claiming two assists on his debut against Dundee.

Cowie, whose own bow came in May 2001 as Inverness battered Raith Rovers 4-0 in the old First Division, is enthused by the youngsters – even if he is feeling his age.

“I keep getting reminded that those boys hadn’t been born when I made my debut,” he laughed. “Well, that makes me feel great.

“When I was 16 I wasn’t even contemplating first-team football, but they have a great attitude and are a breath of fresh air.

“They take the advice that’s given and it was great to see the rewards there for them on Sunday.

“They drive the senior players on because, if we don’t step up, they will take our place! That’s the reality of it.

“The likes of Jamie Brandon, Lewis Moore, Rory Currie and Daniel Baur have also been involved this term as Craig Levein gives youth a chance.

“It isn’t just Harry [Cochrane] and Ant [McDonald],” he said. “There are half a dozen who are champing at the bit to get involved.”