Frankie Kent met the media ahead of Hearts’ upcoming Scottish Cup Semi Final clash with Aberdeen to discuss his return to fitness, the disappointment of missing out on the top six, and the stiff competition he faces for a place on the Hampden pitch. Aaron Fraser reports from Riccarton:
Spending four months on the treatment table was not in Frankie Kent’s plans for the season, but after having to endure a lengthy spell on the treatment table, the Englishman is back and ready to make up for lost time. Kent has been forced to watch on from the sidelines as Hearts failed to secure a top six finish. An almost ever-present until his injury, Kent was on the bench last Saturday during the goalless draw that condemned the men in maroon to a bottom half place. While the result was not ideal, Kent is pleased to be back in the fold just in time for this weekend’s trip to the National Stadium.
“Obviously I was involved last week and the result did not go the way we wanted it to but with how I am and in terms of the position I am in I feel like I have been able to be more motivating and try to keep everyone positive. For me personally it is just a positive to be back out on the pitch after how long I was out. I’ve been trying to help spread that through the group following the disappointment of the weekend. But like I said everyone knows the importance of the game.”
Kent is acutely aware that finishing seventh at best is not good enough for a club of Hearts’ size. When asked if reaching the final would ‘salvage the season’ Kent acknowledged that it would bring some much-needed positivity to the campaign, but would not totally make up for the overall shortcomings experienced during 2024/25.
“I would not say it salvages it. We expect a lot from ourselves as a club and individuals especially. But it definitely does put a positive spin on it in terms of having something to look forward to and something for the fans to shout about to hopefully get through to the final.”
When asked if he believes that Hearts can lift the Scottish Cup in May, Kent had a two word response for the assembled press: “Yes, definitely”. He knows that Aberdeen will be a tough test, but also has full faith in the Hearts squad to bounce back from last week’s disappointment with a statement victory in Glasgow.
“I think we have shown, especially in my time here, that we can beat anyone. Listen, it is going to be a tough game on Saturday, there is no getting away from that. But I feel like we are in a good place in terms of now addressing what has happened. It feels like it is a bit of a clean slate in terms of having this to look forward to and the next load of games after that. But full focus on Saturday.”
Hearts are bringing a support of over 22,000 fans to Mount Florida on Saturday, a number that will start the Aberdeen faithful on the other side of Hampden. Kent is of the opinion that the Hearts players owe their fans a performance to be proud of, with a cup final place on the line.
“That’s some real support. They have been good with us all season. Like you said, it is up to us to give them something to shout about and get excited about and get behind us and hopefully we can go out and put in a good performance and get a result.”
Since Kent’s last outing in maroon, both Jamie McCart and Michael Steinwender have both put pen to paper at Tynecastle Park. Hearts’ number two is not scared of the increased competition. In fact, he relishes it. Pressure is a privilege in the eyes of Frankie Kent.
“That’s something you want as a player in my opinion. Training, especially with me coming back knowing that them two have been playing, has made me concentrate and work a lot harder in terms of trying to get back into the team. In some ways it might have helped them as well and gives the manager a decision to make and something to think about.”
As a senior figure in the Hearts dressing room, and a player who has previous experience of playing at Hampden, Kent’s know-how will play a vital part regardless of if he is on the pitch or the bench. He has praised the experience that runs through the current squad, both from Scottish football, and from further afield.
“To be fair, we have quite an experienced team when you look at it. Obviously the boys from last year are all still here and even the new boys brought in have played at big clubs and for their country and that sort of stuff. We know the importance of the game. That’s the main thing. If we can do our jobs individually and as a team to the best of our ability then I am sure we will get a good result.”
After having to miss such a significant number of games this campaign, Frankie Kent is eager to pick back up where he left off. His second season in Gorgie has not lived up to the high standards of the first, especially not in the Premiership table. However, with a cup final place to play for, the big defender will be ready if called upon to put his body on the line once more and aim to book a return ticket to Hampden for next month’s final.
