ONEINA MILLION
Don: Star Jamie’s worth every penny
DON COWIE insists Hearts are right to slap a £1million price tag on playmaker Jamie Walker because he is a future star for Scotland.
Rangers have stepped up their chase for the wantaway winger but have had two bids, including an improved offer of £600,000, turned down.
Walker – whose contract expires next summer – has told Ian Cathro he will not sign a new deal but the Tynecastle club are unwilling to let him go on the cheap.
The Hearts head coach even suggested this week the 20-year-old’s true value is closer to £3m and they will at least demand seven figures.
Jambos stalwart Cowie reckons Walker is worth every penny of his £1m asking fee as he’s on the verge of making his Scotland breakthrough.
Cowie said: “Jamie’s our player right now. The club has made a stance with the value that they see him at.
“He had a fantastic season last year. There weren’t many players who were playing in his position – with the exception of Celtic stars – who were better in terms of end product and goals.
“He was fantastic last term and it is only right that the club want what he is worth. We have made a firm stance.
“What’s important for Jamie is he does it throughout a season. That’s when you can start talking about Scottish recognition because he has the ability to do that.
“He is a Hearts player and that’s all that matters right now. He needs to do the best for the club and until that changes there’s not an issue.”
Walker is understood to be keen on a switch to Ibrox but the Scotland Under-21 kid was back on Hearts duty yesterday as the players underwent fitness tests.
Cowie, who earned 10 caps, reckons Walker can realise his international ambitions by carrying out a shock U-turn and staying at Tynecastle.
Speaking as Hearts launched their new Umbro home kit on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh yesterday, Cowie said: “Walker can only be helped by the fact Christophe Berra is here.
“He is an established part of the national side and maybe more people will watch Jamie now.
“I don’t see why another season at Hearts can’t get him in the Scotland squad.
“It is up to him to keep playing well, improving and adding consistency to his game. Who knows what could happen for him.”
While Cowie reckons the arrival of Berra could aid Walker it’s nothing compared to the impact he believes the 32-year-old skipper will have on the rest of the squad.
Cowie said: “I played against Christophe at Ipswich. He spent eight years in England and did very well.
“He played in the Premiership for a number of years and it’s not like he has not been playing – he has been out there every week in the Championship.
“You saw him last week against guys like Harry Kane for England. He is still fit and ready to compete against the best strikers. It’s a massive signing for us.
“It is a marquee signing. He has had a great career in England but
Walker was fantastic last term .. it is only right the club want what he’s worth DON COWIE
sometimes family situations dictate where you want to go. Fortunately for us we ticked all the boxes for him.”
Hearts’ ranks have been bolstered by Berra, Cole Stockton and Rafal Grzelak but they have lost Callum Paterson to Cardiff and Sam Nicholson was last night on the cusp of a stunning move to America with Major League Soccer outfit Minnesota United.
As an ex-Bluebird himself, Cowie reckons Paterson will be a star south of the border – while he can’t wait to keep tabs on Nicholson’s adventure across the pond.
He said: “Hearts are quite unique in that you get your chance early. It’s not like they are in their early 20s but have not played much football. Callum must have about 150 games and is ready to move on and Sam’s maybe the same.
“Cardiff is a great move for Callum. He is ready to move on, challenge himself and he is just perfect for English football. He’s an attacking full-back, powerful and quick.
“And Sam is a likeable guy who socialises with everyone and gets on well with everyone so I don’t think he’ll be intimidated going to a new country.
“I’ll be looking on from afar hoping that he does really well.” he couldn’t turn down the chance to make the step back up to the Premiership.
The former Dundee United ace penned a twoyear deal after leaving Tannadice this week.
And 21-year-old Spittal admits Jags boss Alan Archibald sold him on a move to test himself in the top flight.
He said: “It’s been a weird summer being out of contract so I’m delighted to get it over the line.
“I had the option of signing for Partick or staying at United but I couldn’t turn down the chance to come back to the Premiership.
“This is obviously a step up coming back to the top flight – and it’s one I’m really looking forward to.
“The manager talked to me about where he sees me playing my best football and I agreed with him. I now need to deliver what he wants on the pitch.”
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