Hearts B head coach Liam Fox says the Wee Jambos are relishing welcoming Lowland League leaders East Kilbride to Ainslie Park this Friday night.
The Wee Jambos, who defeated Kilby 4-2 earlier in the campaign, come into the match on the back of an impressive away win against Tranent, which saw them leapfrog the Big T and move up to 4th spot in the table.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website ahead of the match, Fox said:
“It will be a difficult game, against a very good opponent, but these are the types of games we always look forward to, as we want to play against good players and good teams. It’s another opportunity for the lads to test themselves.
“We’re coming off the back of a really positive performance against Tranent. We obviously got the result earlier on in the season against East Kilbride, but there will be some changes to both squads from that period.
"They are the best team in the league. They are sitting well ahead at the top of the table, so it's going to be a really difficult task for the lads, but one that we are relishing.”
It was a young Hearts side that took all three points at Foresters Park last weekend, with Callum Flatman and Makenzie Kirk out on loan, Macaulay Tait now in the first team environment and James Wilson, Rocco Friel and Bobby McLuckie on international duty, it presented the opportunity for even younger players to make the step up and impress Fox.
“That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “We took the decision to put some of the players out on loan to further their careers and give them different opportunities and experiences, sometimes the manager needs some players for the first team, so we bring the younger boys up and give them a chance in the B Team.
“Like with all young players, there will be ups and downs and it’s about finding that level of consistency. Their attitude has been different class all season and that’s what we’re trying to do as a club, push people on as much as we can so that they can get to their end goal, which is pushing to get in the first team squad.
“The three lads that were away have all come back injury-free which is good, so they’ll have a good week’s training and that’ll give me some selection headaches for the game.
“Competition in football is key and if you ask any manager or coach, they will tell you that having a healthy and strong squad brings the best performances out of people, because they know there are people waiting in the wings to come in and take their place.”
Tickets for Friday’s match against East Kilbride at Ainslie Park are available at the gate.
£5 for adults, £2 for concessions with U12’s granted free entry. Kick-off is 7:45pm.
