‘NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR HEARTS,’ MCLAUGHLIN

HEARTS goalkeeper, Jon McLaughlin, has said how much his side are looking forward to returning to the redeveloped Tynecastle stadium.

The 30-year-old was complimentary of stand-in home Murrayfield but said that there is no place like home as the Jambos look to return to Tynecastle in the next few weeks.

“We’ve enjoyed Murrayfield, it’s a fantastic facility, but it does feel more like a neutral venue.

“It feels more like a cup atmosphere at a neutral ground than a home league fixture. To be fair. we’ve had some good results so it hasn’t been too much of a hindrance.”

McLaughlin looked to the atmosphere the city rivals, Hibs, created when the Jambos visited and were beaten 1-0 last week.

“But when we played Hibs last midweek you saw what that kind of atmosphere can bring to a team.

“It was a difficult evening for us. Their fans were up for it and that’s the sort of backing we’re looking to get when we get back into Tynecastle.”

McLaughlin said that the distance between the pitch and fans is different at Murrayfield, which is the home of Scottish Rugby. A far cry from the intimidating steep stands of Tynecastle.

“It’s not an issue at Murrayfield.

“Some might enjoy the fact you can’t hear the individual abuse because the stands are so far away from the pitch.

“It might be a little different if it was a capacity 67,000 crowd but when you have a fantastic crowd of 30,000-plus and it’s not even half full, it means you’re missing something.

“Not like at Easter Road when they are right there, down the back of your neck.” Hearts will hope that their revamped stadium will be complete for the run of a staggering six home matches in a row.