HARTLEY HEARTENED BY FAN SUPPORT

Hearts star Paul Hartley is delighted to have been proved wrong after fearing fans would turn against him when his move to Celtic fell through.

The Hoops tabled an offer for the talented midfielder during the January transfer window and Hartley admitted the opportunity to play for the Scottish Champions would be too good to turn down.

But the clubs were too far apart in their valuation of the player and Hearts turned down Celtic's bid.

Hartley admits he expected a hostile reception from the Jambos fans, but they chanted his name throughout Tuesday's CIS Insurance Cup tie against Motherwell before singling him out for praise again against Kilmarnock.

He insists he is now more than happy to remain a Hearts player.

Hartley said: "You always worry, especially after what's happened in the last week or so but going into Tuesday night's match the fans were absolutely fantastic.

"They were good again [against Kilmarnock] so I'm pleased with that.

"The supporters have always given me their backing and they did that again.

"At the end of the day it's done and I just have to get on with my job.

"I'm happy here. I'm enjoying football and I'm at a good club so I'm really happy."

Taken from sportinglife.com