Craig Halkett has challenged Hearts to round off a productive festive period by ensuring they head into the winter break in third place in the cinch Premiership.
The Jambos have taken 10 points from their last four matches and have won seven of their last 10 league fixtures to get themselves into a strong position in the battle for a European place.
A victory at bottom-of-the-table Livingston on Tuesday would keep Steven Naismith’s side clear of Kilmarnock and St Mirren in third place.
“We were disappointed not to beat Ross County on Saturday, but the draw has kept the momentum going,” said defender Halkett.
“We want to finish this tough run of games on a high, so it’s a crucial one.
“December’s a really tough month for everyone. We have done brilliantly to get into third and then just to finish off this block with a win would be good.”
Halkett recently returned to action following almost a year out with a knee injury and he admits the break is probably coming at a good time in order for him to get fully fit.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. “It has been a long year and myself, the manager and the sports scientists all know it’s going to take a few games to get back up to 100 per cent.
“But right now I am feeling as good as I can be.
“It was always important for me to come back in and play a couple of games before the break. I didn’t want to go into the break not having featured, so it was good to get some minutes under my belt.
“We have another game at Livingston and then I can work hard during the break to come back.”
Halkett joined Hearts from Livingston four and a half years ago and he is surprised to see his former side adrift at the foot of the table.
“Livingston have been in the top league for five or six years now and it was a great achievement every single year they did it,” said Halkett.
“So to see where they are is a bit of a surprise but I still think they’ll have enough to get out of it.
“We’ve spoken about the break for us and the break is probably coming at a good time for them as well.
“They can go away, rest, recover and reset before they come back and I’m sure they’ll do everything they can to stay up.”
Clement pleased with 'dominant' Rangers victory against Ross County
Philippe Clement says Rangers are beginning to click after they comfortably beat Ross County 3-0 on Sunday to move within two points of second-placed Aberdeen.
Hamza Igamane thundered Rangers into a sixth-minute lead with the help of a deflection, before Jack Hamilton had his pocket picked by Danilo to put them two goals in front.
Clement's side continued to dominate after the break but were kept on their toes by Akil Wright, who went close on two occasions with headers from close range.
However, Rangers sealed the victory four minutes from time through captain James Tavernier, who rifled Cyriel Dessers cutback into the far left corner.
And the visitors were deserving of their win, registering an expected goals (xG) of 1.53 from their 19 shots, compared to Ross County's measly 0.75 from their 10 attempts.
Rangers have now won their last four matches in all competitions, scoring 14 goals while conceding just twice, to leave Clement impressed with his side's progression.
"It's what I wanted to see but, of course, I'm very pleased because this is a really hard place to show that," Clement said.
"I'm very pleased about our domination, about how we controlled the game, but with the intention to score more goals, how we kept our organisation, concentration and also not to become sloppy and to give things away and to keep a clean sheet and three goals at Ross County. It's a really huge performance."
"Our squad is starting to recognise what to do when. It's hard work. It's about getting experience together, getting connections between players together, communication on the pitch, the right timings."
Clement's side welcome Tottenham to Ibrox in the Europa League on Thursday, hoping to build on their 4-0 thrashing of Nice in their last game in the competition.
Reggae Boy Michail Antonio undergoes surgery after horror car crash
Jamaican international and West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is recovering after undergoing surgery on a lower limb fracture sustained in a horrific car crash on Saturday. The 34-year-old remains in a London hospital under close observation as he begins his recovery.
The football community was left in shock following the accident, which saw Antonio's Ferrari crushed in a woodland area near Theydon Bois, Essex. Images of the wrecked vehicle circulated widely, prompting an outpouring of concern and support from fans and fellow players.
In a statement released on Sunday, West Ham confirmed Antonio's surgery and expressed gratitude to those involved in his immediate care.
“West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon. Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days," the statement read.
"Everyone at the Club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news, as well as extending a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery. The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”
Hours after the accident on Saturday, West Ham assured fans of Antonio's condition, stating he was "stable," "conscious," and communicating with medical staff.
The footballing world has since rallied around the player, with the Premier League issuing a statement of support: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Premier League are also with Antonio, his family, friends, and all at West Ham.”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker paused the show to acknowledge the accident, while former teammate Jobi McAnuff shared his well wishes on social media, saying, "Thoughts and prayers to Michail's family."
Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts and Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren both offered words of encouragement to Antonio in the statement sent out by the federation on Saturday.
"On behalf of the entire group of players, support staff and technical staff, I would like to wish Michail a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with him at this time,” McClaren said.
“On behalf of the entire Jamaica Football Federation family, I would like to wish Michail a safe and speedy recovery. At this point let us keep him in our prayers as he recovers,” Ricketts added.
This incident is not Antonio’s first car-related mishap. On Christmas Day in 2019, he famously crashed his Lamborghini into a garden while dressed as a snowman. Despite these incidents, Antonio has remained a vital figure at West Ham since joining in 2015, amassing 323 appearances and scoring 83 goals. His contributions were pivotal in the club’s historic UEFA Conference League victory in 2023.
Khadija Shaw brace powers Manchester City to commanding 4-0 win over Leicester City in WSL
Jamaican forward Khadija "Bunny" Shaw delivered a stellar performance on Sunday, scoring twice as Manchester City Women cruised to a 4-0 victory over Leicester City in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Jess Park and Mary Fowler also found the net in a dominant display that underscored City’s title ambitions.
The win was a much-needed bounce-back for Gareth Taylor’s side, who were coming off a disappointing loss to Chelsea. The victory keeps Manchester City second in the WSL standings and reinforces their strong start to the season.
City wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Shaw finding the back of the net just two minutes into the match. Kerstin Casparij whipped in a pinpoint cross, and the Jamaican striker rose above the Leicester defense to head home from close range.
Shaw doubled her tally in the 22nd minute, this time benefiting from Leila Ouahabi’s precision delivery from the left flank. The goal capped an electrifying first-half performance from Shaw, who showcased her aerial prowess and clinical finishing.
Jess Park made it 3-0 early in the second half with a stunning strike from distance, leaving Leicester’s goalkeeper with no chance. Mary Fowler completed the scoring with a superb half-volley after a defensive miscue from Leicester, sealing a comprehensive victory for City.
Despite the emphatic win, there was a minor concern for City late in the game as midfielder Jill Roord required treatment for an apparent injury. Roord left the pitch as a precaution, and City finished the match with 10 players.
The result marks another chapter in Khadija Shaw’s sensational season, with the Reggae Girlz star continuing to cement her reputation as one of the league’s top strikers. Manchester City will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture as they push for WSL glory.
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