Edinburgh,Scotland – Hearts are firmly in contention for a second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership,according to former player and Scottish Cup winner Christophe Berra. The club’s strong start to the season has fueled optimism amongst supporters, and Berra believes a challenge for the runners-up spot is “definitely there.”
Historically dominated by Celtic and Rangers, the Scottish Premiership frequently enough sees a meaningful gap between the ‘Old Firm’ and the rest of the league.Hearts’ current form, however, suggests they could be the team to close that gap and secure a coveted second-place finish, guaranteeing european football and a substantial financial boost. Berra’s assessment adds weight to the growing belief that this season could be different.
“I think you can dream,” added the former center-half who was capped 41 times for Scotland.
“We’re only six games in so there’s a long way to go. Maybe come and have this conversation at 30 games in, before the split.
“The manager’s not daft,he knows it’s a long season. He’ll be telling them to calm down,take it with a pinch of salt,enjoy it but let’s just take every game as it comes.”
Captain Lawrence Shankland has been instrumental in Hearts’ success,scoring both goals in the recent win away to Rangers and adding another in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Falkirk. The 30-year-old currently leads the team with seven goals for the season.
Summer signings Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis are also contributing considerably, with six and four goals respectively.
“There’s a very experienced manager who knows the league inside out,” said Berra of manager Steven McInnes.
“for the last few years they’ve relied on Shankland a lot. He’s still contributing but they’ve also got players around him who’re a big threat as well and scoring goals. That adds to the fear factor especially when teams come to Tynecastle.”
