Craig Halkett has outlined a timeline for a return to action for Hearts.
The defender is a key man for the Jambos but has been a long-term absentee for the capital club. He had to watch on for the majority of last season as the club missed out on third spot to Aberdeen. It was a vital part of the campaign for the Gorgie men and the stopper had no control on matters on the pitch. He did his best to remain involved off it by attending all games and offering advice to his team-mates.
It was a big learning curve for the 28-year-old but he is nearing a return as he opened up on his journey back. He's been back out on the field running for about one month as he steps up his rehab. He's been very happy with the progress so far and says the plan is to work away with the Hearts physios and be back in full first-team training by September. From there it is about getting as match fit and prepared as possible with an aim to be playing once again by the end of that month.
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On his recovery, he told the Daily Record: "All of the rehab work has gone pretty smoothly and I'm now just over five months since surgery.
"I've been back running for about one month and there was a break in between where I had two weeks off. It's about making sure I regroup and get ready to get going again.
"The running has been fine, it's about getting used to it again but I've been very happy with the progress I've been making. The plan is to work away from the physios and be with the first team for full training in September time.
"Then it's about getting as match fit and prepared as possible. Hopefully I'll be back and ready to play games at the end of September."
He his extended period on the sidelines, he continued: "It's been difficult and when I suffered the injury it was a hard pill to swallow.
"It's the first time I'd been dealt a blow of such a long-term injury. It had always been three or four weeks and there was a light at the end of a short tunnel.
"I knew I was going to miss out on so much and be a bit out of things at such a vital period in the season and I had no control on what was happening. I was forced to just sit back and watch even though I did my best to stay involved as much as I could by attending all of the games and offer wee bits of advice to some of the boys who were playing but it was difficult having to just sit and watch, especially throughout January and February when we went through a tough spell.
"Having to accept you can't help and coping with the mental side of being out for such a long time was the biggest learning curve. I don't want to miss out on anything but it's also important to take a break and get your head right.
"After being out for so long you also need to make sure you give your body a bit of a rest. With the injury happening midway through the season I had a couple of weeks off and I was right back into it, doing the rehab and trying to get going again."
