Halkett's home life keeping him grounded amid title charge

Hearts defender Craig Halkett has revealed how the imminent arrival of his first child is helping to distract him from the prospect of Scottish Premiership glory.

The centre-back has scored six goals in 34 appearances for Derek McInnes' side this season, playing a crucial role as they top the league table by three points from Celtic with three matches to play.

However, Halkett's home life is keeping him grounded amid what would be one of Scottish football's greatest triumphs.

"I'm actually expecting a baby in four or five weeks' time so that's been a good distraction for me," he said.

"I've got my girlfriend and two dogs back at home so as soon as I go home, it's quite easy to switch off.

"I think it's important that you've still got it in the back of your mind and you're not just going home and doing what you want. Obviously, with life as a footballer, you're 100% all-in on your work.

"You don't switch off completely, but to go home with a great family, it's quite easy for me to switch off.

"Obviously, football is going really well at the moment and life at home is going really well, so it could be a special summer."

The 30-year-old insists the pressure has not ramped up with just three matches - against Motherwell, Falkirk and Celtic - to go.

Wins in the first two, paired with Celtic dropping points against Rangers on Sunday, would make Hearts top-flight champions for the first time since 1960.

"From my personal point of view, the pressure is still the same as it's been all season," Halkett said.

"It's hard to ignore the position we're in, but everyone's got their feet on the ground. Everyone knows how difficult it's going to be and how far away it can still be, so the full focus is just on Saturday.

"I think we're all just buzzing. The confidence is really high in the changing room.

"We don't have any past experiences, good or bad, of being in this position, so everything's new and we're all just going with it. We're all in good spirits."

Halkett was asked about hopes of making the Scotland squad after such an impressive season, but says he is only focusing on his club form.

"It's not something that's at the front of my mind, if I'm being honest," he said of the national team. "My full focus this season has been on Hearts and myself and playing as many games as I could.

"If that put me in a position to be called up, then great. If it didn't, I wasn't going to be too disappointed about it. It's been a tough couple of years for me so coming back and playing as many games for Hearts as I could was my main focus. Thankfully I'm doing that."