Hearts kid’s injury agony

HEARTS starlet Darren Goldie has been dealt a crushing blow with the news that he won’t play again this season after rupturing his cruciate ligament.

The 20-year-old, who has returned to Tynecastle after a spell on loan at Stirling Albion, suffered the horror injury in training and is to undergo an operation next week as the first phase of a long, recovery process.

Initial estimates put the centre half’s absence at six months, although he could be sidelined for longer.

What is certain, though, is the fact he will not kick a ball again this season and must now look to complete his rehabilitation in time for the start of the new campaign.

“The injury happened during training and it’s very bad luck for the lad,” said boss Craig Levein.

The defender made his first team debut for the Jambos 12 months ago against Aberdeen, but has failed to feature in the top team since that 1-0 defeat at Pittodrie.

Goldie had hoped to challenge the likes of Andy Webster and Kevin McKenna for the centre back slot in a season he described as “make or break” for himself with his contract running out in the summer.

But it has not gone as well as he would have hoped.

Despite joining the Gorgie outfit on the pre-season tour last summer and a successful spell at Forthbank towards the end of 2001, he has found it difficult to make an impression with both Webster and McKenna establishing themselves quickly under Levein’s guidance.

“It is disappointing for Darren and the club but it is just one of these things which is part of football I’m afraid,” added Levein.

“He will have to stay positive in the weeks and months ahead as he battles back to fitness. It will be a difficult time for him but hopefully he will apply himself properly and get through this.”

Goldie joined Stephen Simmons, Robbie Neilson and Barry Smith as four of the most promising Hearts youngsters who gained their Modern Apprenticeship in Sport and Recreation in conjunction with Dunfermline’s Lauder College earlier this season.

Taken from the Scotsman