Smells like team spirit

Gary Locke believes this week's Belfast trip will provide the perfect bonding session for his players ahead of next week's season opener against St Johnstone.

The Jambos flew over the water this morning and will face Crusaders tonight, before lining up against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking exclusively to Hearts News at Edinburgh Airport, Gary said: "Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown used to always take us to Italy for a week, and though these circumstances are completely different, with new signings it was great for them to spend a week with the boys and get them settled in nice and quickly.

"Obviously we've not got that problem with not having signed any players but I think it's great to get away, even for a couple of the days. The players will be spending every minute of every day together. We've got a great team spirit here and this trip will certainly make it better."

Gary already has his spies over in Northern Ireland and he knows what to expect when his team run out at The Oval.

"My mum and dad went over this morning and they've phoned to tell me what to expect," he said. "At this time of the year we play in these conditions and it'll probably do us a favour, in as much as it'll make the pitches that little bit softer. We'll not have the hassle we've had earlier in the pre-season with blisters and what have you.

"We're looking forward to the two games. It's our final preparation in terms of looking ahead to next week. Hopefully we can go over and put in two good performances."

Hearts World