BY ALAN TEMPLE – CCP_Sport
IAN CATHRO has put his underperforming Hearts stars through gruelling double training sessions in a bid to kick-start their stuttering season.
The Jambos are currently on a run of three successive defeats as their European dream hangs by a thread, while they were jeered from the field at Tynecastle last Wednesday following a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Ross County.
The Hearts head coach, who has claimed just four victories from his 15 matches in charge of the capital club, admits their form is “not acceptable” and utilised the free weekend afforded by their dismal Scottish Cup exit against Hibs to put his players through their paces.
With nine new signings arriving in January – and the men in maroon seeking to bounce back from a series of disjointed displays – Cathro hopes the additional time on the training pitch will tee them up perfectly for next weekend’s Premiership clash against Hamilton.
Cathro told Heartsfc.co.uk: “Of course we did not want to have a free weekend but we did and we must use the opportunity to train, spend time together adjusting some things and working hard to improve – to be ready to fix the situation we find ourselves in.
“We all know the recent results have not been acceptable, our focus must remain on working together on solutions, correcting mistakes and preparing well for the next match.
“This is a moment for sticking together, supporting each other and that is what we have to do.
“Saturday was a busy day with two training sessions, the players have worked hard and we will continue through next week working hard and preparing well for a very important match at home.”
