Spanish sun fails to affect Walker in the cold of battle
AYOUNG player’s head could be turned by reports linking him with a move to s unny Seville — especially on an afternoon when Biblical hail and a howling wind threatened to dismantle Dumbarton’s stadium.
So credit Jamie Walker — the subject of supposed interest from Spanish second-tier side Real Betis — for showing the necessary focus to not only set up three goals but to score one of his own for runaway leaders Hearts on Saturday. In the end, the only thing dismantled was Ian Murray’s side.
Climate aside, it’s hard to find many reasons why Walker would want to leave the Tynecastle side, who are on a 20-game unbeaten run and 13 points ahead of Rangers.
The 21-year-old said as much after the game, but admitted it would be no easy decision to turn down the club managed by former West Bromwich Albion coach Pepe Mel and who are battling for promotion to star-studded La Liga.
‘I’ve taken a bit of stick in the dressing room,’ revealed the Scotland Under-21 international. ‘But they’re a big club and I’m delighted if they are interested in me.
‘This is also a big club, though. We’re top of the league and going for the title, so it would be a hard decision if it came across.
‘If they [Real Betis] were watching here today, then I’ve put in a good performance. You never know what could happen. It’s something I’d think about in the future but we’re playing well and I’m playing well, so I’ll just keep going.’
The Jambos struck with just eight minutes gone as midfielder Sam Nicholson expertly brought the ball down 35 yards out and lashed a stunning half-volley low past keeper Danny Rogers.
Prince Buaben’s foul on Chris Kane was then waved on by referee John Beaton, allowing the St Johnstone loanee to burst through one-on-one with Neil Alexander. The Hearts keeper could only divert the ball to the unmarked Mark Gilhaney, who would have scored but for the heroics of centre-back Danny Wilson.
There was to be no plucky comeback by the part-timers, with Nicholson in superb form and new striker Genero Zeefuik striking twice on his debut after signing on loan from Groningen.
Walker hailed the colossal Dutchman as the perfect outlet for Hearts to use in such stormy conditions after striking up a partnership that saw both combine for three of the goals.
‘As you saw, it was windy and we couldn’t really pass the ball,’ he said. ‘But he gave us another option to hit the big man. He’s got two goals, so he’ll be delighted.’
It was the 24-year-old debutant’s huge frame that helped set up the second. Holding off Sons skipper Andy Graham, he cushioned a lofted ball, spun round and played through Walker, who drilled his shot home in the 26th minute.
The duo produced gold for a second time shortly after the break. Walker cut the ball back in the six-yard box, allowing f ormer Holland Under-21 cap Zeefuik to tap home his first for the club.
Nicholson scored the fourth, and his second, in the 57th minute, turning the ball in at the back post.
Five minutes later, Zeefuik and Walker again combined, the latter latching on to the former’s cross in a carbon copy of the third goal.
After Kane struck a consolation from close range for Dumbarton, the travelling fans leaped out of their seats to chant ‘We only win 5-1!’ in tribute to their famous Scottish Cup Final win over Hibs.
Sons boss Murray could only grimace at the cruel irony of the scoreline, which mirrored October’s reverse fixture at Tynecastle.
Straight from the restart, Scott Linton brought down Walker in the box, before Zeefuik shaped up in an attempt to make it three on his debut.
‘I gave the penalty to him because he was on his hat-trick,’ said Walker, before joking: ‘I’d be scared to take it off him because he’s so big!’
The target man’s dream of a debut hat-trick was thwarted, however, when Rogers saved strongly to his right and again on the follow-up.
The Dutchman was replaced by Jason Holt moments later but his miss did nothing to dampen a standing ovation from the Hearts fans.