Key Highlights
- Frankie Kent returns to Hearts’ starting line-up after an injury layoff.
- Kent is in contention for his first appearance since a 12-week absence.
- The Aberdeen fixture presents an opportunity for Kent to reclaim his place.
- No away side has won at Aberdeen since 2016, making the game significant for Hearts.
Hearts Defender Readies for Return after Injury Layoff
Heart of Midlothian defender Frankie Kent is on the cusp of reclaiming his place in the starting line-up following a 12-week absence due to an injury. The 30-year-old, who has typically played when available, is now looking forward to getting back into action against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday.
Opportunity to Reclaim Starting Line-Up
Kent’s return comes as a welcome boost for Hearts, especially given the recent suspension of Craig Halkett. This opens up an opportunity for someone to step in and Kent is keen to seize his moment. “It’s been very good to see the team doing really well but on the other hand, it’s really not nice to not feel a part of it,” he said. “It’s the first time in a long time in my career that that sort of happened. But yes, it’s just on me to try and get back in the team and do what I can do.”
The defender has been fortunate enough to usually play when available but acknowledges the unfortunate timing of his injury. “It was unfortunate, the timing of my injury,” he added. “But at the same time, the boys that were playing have done brilliantly and I respect that and that’s just football, it’s just how it goes with the timings and stuff.”
First Appearance in 12 Weeks
Kent is due to make his first appearance since a win at Livingston 12 weeks ago. A more complicated operation than initially expected meant he was unavailable for slightly longer than first thought, but he is now raring to go. “Don’t get me wrong, it’ll be tough being out of the time that I have, but I feel like I’ll be experienced enough and can handle it,” he said. “I’ve played enough now and thankfully, touch wood, I’m physically feeling good and ready to play.”
With Hearts maintaining their unbeaten start to the league season in his absence, Kent is optimistic about his chances of making a positive impact. “It’s not been great but with that, I’ve been very lucky to have that at other clubs and potentially an opportunity this weekend to do that,” he added. “But again, I know what the boys have done throughout the season, the games that I’ve missed, how well they’ve done. So it’s just a case of doing what I can do to help the team, try and perform well for myself and the team and see where that gets me.”
Record Against Aberdeen
The fixture against Aberdeen is also significant as no away side has won at Pittodrie since 2016. Kent takes encouragement from two good performances at the venue last season, despite a draw and a defeat. “It’s something that we all know about and it would just be nice to try and change that this weekend,” he said. “I mean, we’ve had quite a tight gap both times I’ve played there. It’s been really tight both the games. They probably could have gone either way.”
With Hearts’ unbeaten start to the league season, Kent is hopeful of making an impact and contributing positively to their overall performance. “Everyone wants a bit of it,” he concluded. “Everyone wants a piece of the glory and what comes with it and that good feeling of knowing that you’re going out there on a Saturday and trying to win the game and that feeling afterwards.”
Hearts fans will be hoping for a strong performance from their defender as they aim to break the home side’s winning streak at Pittodrie.
