Jason Holt: 'Close-knit Hearts squad is ready to fight for league survival'

STV 1 July 2013 14:37 BST

The Hearts squad is prepared for a scrap to stay in the premier league next season, according to midfielder Jason Holt.

The academy graduate joined up with the depleted ranks at the club’s Riccarton training base for the start of pre-season still worried for the future of Hearts following the onset of administration.

But Holt, who broke-through at Tynecastle last season with three goals in 22 appearances, believes that Gary Locke’s squad will assemble for the season ahead buoyed by the team spirit fostered in adversity.

He knows the side will need all the togetherness they can muster as Hearts start the campaign on -15 points.

The Scotland Under-21 star said: “When we first came back in we heard the news that a few of the boys had taken pay cuts and I think it’s brilliant that they are doing that for the cause of the club.

“We were already quite a tight-knit group but I think it has brought us even closer.

“I think all the players are going to thrive on being given the opportunity [in the first team].

“It’s going to be difficult and we all know it’s going to a challenge but every player is up for that challenge.

“We want to bring a new freshness and energy to the side.

“We are all up for it and we’ll be fighting for the club.”