Hearts midfielder Peter Haring has admitted that he’s going to struggle for the first 15 minutes of the game on Saturday.
Hearts face Celtic in the Scottish Cup final after the Hoops knocked the Jambos out of the Betfred Cup back in November. It looks like being a tasty affair, with both sides having key players returning from injury.
One of those for Hearts is Haring, with his setback a pretty big one. The Austrian has been struggling with a groin injury since the semi-final win over Inverness last month. He’s needed injections to keep the pain down and accelerate the process too. But, in the end, the midfielder has managed to declare himself fit.
But speaking to the Scotsman, Haring has admitted that he’ll be vulnerable in the opening stages.
“I’m fit and ready to go. I was really trying hard to be ready for this game. I was doing everything possible to play in the Scottish Cup final. I’m really happy that I feel quite well and I’m really looking forward to it.
“After the semi-final against Inverness, it was quite sore. It didn’t change for about a week. I was worried and that’s why we tried the injection to see if it would help.
“When you get over the first 15-20 minutes, you’re back to normal again. I expect the first ten to 15 minutes to be tough for me as well but as the game goes on I’ll feel comfortable again. I’m not too worried about it.”
A quick start would be ideal
Haring isn’t particularly the most mobile of players as it is. His potential vulnerability in the opening stages of Saturday, however, could be a big plus for us.
The Celtic midfield can really take advantage of this if they move the ball around quickly early doors. Haring is very much a good reader of the game and can break play up well for Hearts. But it sounds as though he’s going to struggle to be as influential to start off.
Haring’s midfield partner could very well be fellow injury returnee Arnaud Djoum. There is no guarantee that both will be 100% fit to start the contest. A positive, energetic start from Celtic could be crucial in setting the tone.
But we’re not blind. One or two players making a slow start doesn’t mean Hearts are going to be an open door ready to get scored against. What it does do, however, is it does gives Celtic the chance to set the tone for the contest.
Haring and Djoum will eventually feel their way into the game, but they aren’t at their most powerful. It wouldn’t be surprising if both are playing through the pain barrier here.
Should Celtic’s midfield turn up, we could have the field day we would all love this Saturday. But if they underestimate the Jambos? We’re in big trouble.
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