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Tuesday, July 21, 2015
MCHATTIE WARNS OSHANIWA:
I'm ready to fight for Hearts spot
HEARTS defender Kevin McHattie has warned incoming rival Juwon Oshaniwa that he won't give up his first-team berth without a fight.
The Super Eagles left-back, who played all four of his nation's games at last summer's World Cup, is set to finally receive the appropriate paperwork to complete his move to Scotland this week.
The 24-year-old's impending signing has thrilled Hearts fans, while head coach Robbie Neilson has claimed that Oshaniwa will be one of the best full-backs in Scotland this season.
However, determined McHattie has no intention of becoming Tynecastle's forgotten man after performing well in the left-back role throughout preseason.
He said: "I think it's great that we have more competition for places coming in.
"Oshaniwa isn't here yet but hopefully I can rise to the challenge and show the gaffer what I am worth. It's similar to last year with Adam [Eckersley] and it will be another battle for the jersey this year.
"I just need to keep my head down and try to impress the gaffer in training. Everyone wants that place in the starting eleven.
"It's something you need to thrive off. To have that competition of a player with that kind of experience can only make you a better player.
"The main thing for me this pre-season has to stay injury-free and I feel as strong as I have for a while. We've been put through our paces, like last year, and I'm feeling good and determined to show what I can do."
McHattie played the full 90 minutes as Hearts slumped to a hard-fought 1-0 defeat against English Championship new boys Preston North End last Saturday.