The location may be change, but pre-season is always tough.Hearts are in the south of Spain for a week of hard work in the sun as Robbie Neilson lays a fitness foundation for the season ahead.
It’s a chance for the new boys like Alan Forrest and Lewis Neilson to get to know their new teammates, while Alex Cochrane is familiar already after last season’s loan.A trio of youngsters have been given the chance to impress before a decision is taken on whether to loan them out again.
It’s double sessions for most of the week as the Jambos build up to Thursday night’s friendly against Europa FC.There will be several more ice baths between now and then however as the conditioning work continues on the Costa Del Sol.
Here’s what we spotted at training as Robbie Neilson, Lee McCulloch and Gordon Forrest put the squad through their paces.Meet the new left back, same as the old one.He’s well known to the squad, but Alex Cochrane is a fully fledged Jambo now after returning to Tynecastle on a permanent basis.The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive season on loan from Brighton last term, but seemed to be heading elsewhere in England after penning a year’s contract extension with the Seagulls.Hearts moved to bring him back though, this time for keeps, and he was confirmed on a three-year deal yesterday with a Love Island-themed announcement.And he’s straight back into the thick of it, joining yesterday afternoon’s session before today’s double dunt.It probably goes without saying, but it’s hot out here.Saturday’s morning session was done in temperatures of mid-twenties, and it's set to hit 28 degrees today.Training is split to avoid the hottest part of the day, with Neilson’s squad heading back out to the training pitch around 4pm after
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