King kicks on

Billy King celebrated his first start of the pre-season campaign with his maiden goal as Hearts romped to a comprehensive 5-0 win over Raith Rovers at Stark's Park on Wednesday evening.

Just before the interval, the young attacker showed some lovely skill to beat his man and fire a long range effort past Ross Laidlaw in the Rovers net to double the Jambos' advantage.

After the game, Billy explained how Hearts legend John Robertson, now coaching on a part-time basis at Riccarton, has challenged the forwards at the club to try and out-score each other.

"It was good to get my first start of the season, and the boys worked really hard", said King.

"We've not spoken about how we'll get goals this season, but Robbo's been in to train the strikers and he's been challenging each of us to be the top scorer for the club".

Despite beginning the season with a 15 point deficit, the atmosphere amongst the young squad is as optimistic as ever, with the players in no doubt that they can overcome the odds with the support of over 10,000 Hearts season ticket holders.

"The fans have been great with what they've done for us over the summer, and if we can get a good start to the season with some good attendances, we've got every chance and we've got the opportunity to become legends".

"It'll be hard work, but we'll stick together and take each game as it comes", he continued. "It'll be difficult but we're capable of doing it."

Billy and younger brother Adam continued the family affair started last season by Ryan and Dylan McGowan, with the siblings playing together for the first time at East End Park on Saturday. Although the older brother by 15 months, Billy revealed it's actually his younger brother who looks after him!

Not only that, but Billy also explained that his proud parents never even saw the pair play together as they were on an ill-timed holiday in Menorca!

"Adam's bigger than me, so I think it's the other way around! He's more of a defensive midfielder, and I'm an attacker. He's got the bigger frame, so he's better suited to stopping people.

"There's a lot of young boys in the side, which helps because we've all played together in the past, and having Adam in the team with me will make our parents really proud, but they've been on holiday so they've missed us playing together!"

Hearts World