Craig Halkett has opened up extreme lengths he's putting himself through to be fit for Hearts' Scottish Cup Final showdown with Rangers.
The duo will meet at Hampden this weekend in the showpiece event as both clubs bid to land the famous old trophy.
Robbie Neilson's men went down 3-1 to the Light Blues in a dress-rehearsal in the final game of the Premiership campaign.
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Halkett was introduced as a late substitute in the Tynecastle defeat after making his return to the pitch for the first time since his injury against Hibs.
And he has now revealed he's been visiting an extreme environment chamber to help him in his race against the clock.
He said: "When we first got the scan and realised what the injury was, there was talk of an operation and I thought it was season over.
“But once we saw the specialist, he said there was a small chance I could play, so it was a no-brainer for me and for the manager. It’s a cup final - you do everything you can to get fit.
“We realised it would be tight but there would be a chance of getting back.
“I’ve actually been going into what’s called an extreme environment chamber in Hamilton.
“You’re in a room with a couple of bikes, treadmills, rowing machines and you can set the temperature, the altitude and the humidity. Just the other week there, I was on the bike for 40 minutes in 35 degree heat, 3,000 altitude.
"So it’s tough. Not that I was thanking them at the time, but looking forward to next week, hopefully it’s going to be hugely beneficial for me.
“With the injury I had, 99 times out of 100 it needs an operation to fix it.
“But I’ve gone through the rehab and it’s come on better than first thought. I think it will be about getting through the final, having another scan and seeing how it is, then making a decision.”
John Souttar is another who is just returning from injury with the final just days away.
The Scotland international makes the move to Rangers this summer on a free after agreeing a pre-contract.
Halkett doesn't believe facing his new employers will be an issue for the Hearts defender, who he says is determined to depart the club on a high by winning the Scottish Cup.
He added: “John’s a top professional. He’s a Hearts player at the moment. He’s not going to be a Rangers player until the start of next season.
"He is fully concentrating on winning the cup with Hearts. It’s a chance to win a major trophy in Scotland.
"He will be doing everything he can for Hearts and all the boys to win the cup. Having John back is so important for the squad.
“He handled the criticism exactly how I expected him to handle it. John’s a top, top professional. I think he knew when he signed that there was going to be a wee bit of noise but he has always just put his head down, worked hard and not let it affect him.
"You saw that in the few weeks after the window closed. He put in some of the best performances he has put in all season. It is a testament to him and how good a professional he is.”
