DARIO ZANATTA has confessed he found January ‘a little strange’ after he was recalled from loan by Hearts before being sent back to Raith Rovers just days later.
However, the Canadian is determined to make the most of his Stark’s Park return as he bids to help steer the League One leaders back to the Championship.
Zanatta joined the Fife club on a season-long loan back in August but was called back by the Jambos in a surprise move during the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old then made a late substitute’s appearance for the Tynecastle outfit and scored his first goal for the club in the 3-0 win over Hamilton Accies before Craig Levein decided to farm him out again to Raith.
His return was a huge boost for Barry Smith’s side, who failed to win any of the three games Zanatta missed, and he has since helped them to three straight wins, including last weekend’s 2-1 success against Airdrie.
And the youngster is desperate to ensure he now helps the Kirkcaldy side, who are eight points clear of Ayr United, to the title before he turns his attentions to kick-starting his Hearts career next term.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Albion Rovers, who Raith beat 3-1 last midweek, he said: “It was a little strange how it all played out. But I went back to Hearts and scored a goal, so I can’t complain.
“That was my first goal for Hearts as well, which was a great moment.
“But now I’m just focused on getting Raith back into the Championship and winning promotion with them.
BEST OPTION
“Hearts want me to be playing week-in, week-out and they felt the best option for me was to go back out on loan.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Raith and I just want to carry that on to the end of the season.
“I’ve got another season after this one at Hearts. So, the goal is to do well at Raith this season and then go back to Hearts for pre-season and take it from there.
“We’re full of confidence at the moment. Last weekend against Airdrie showed we have a lot of quality and how we can work for results.
“We were down 1-0, with a good home record on the line, and we showed there’s a reason why we’re top of the league at the moment.
“It’s great to see your name at the top of the league and our aim is to stay there.”
