Every Heart of Midlothian supporter is aware of the team's poor record at Ibrox. Absolutely awful.
Supporters had a few fingers left over after counting the amount of triumphs this century. There have been several draws throughout that time.
The latter two were equalisers in the 90th minute, sometimes known as stoppage time.
When Hearts lost to Aberdeen for third place at the end of the 2022–2023 season, Garang Kuolscored late in a 2-2 draw under Steven Naismith
After returning from the Championship, Hearts headed west in October of the previous season in an attempt to continue their winning streak.
Hearts have five victories and three draws at the beginning of the Premiership season.
Halkett made his final appearance for Hearts at Ibrox, and it was a memorable one.
"It was when I scored the last-minute equaliser," he said.
That season, in my opinion, was the one following our rise under Robbie [Neilson].
"We were seated close to the top of the table. Even though we didn't win, I recall that we were undefeated, which continued our winning streak.
"Obviously, we're not considering our current position or league standing. It's just a different game. Going to take up three points in a difficult road match.
Halkett revived it for the current season, and although Hearts' winning streak isn't as long, there are still hopes that they may push Rangers and even Celtic in the league in addition to ending the Ibrox curse. The guys aren't going to be sucked into that conversation just yet.
"I think just looking at ourselves, we've started the season really well," Halkett stated. "Everyone in the group is confident that we can go anyplace and get a result.
"As players, I don't believe we're paying too much attention to Rangers' starting performance, roster composition, or goal totals.
"It's just about us going there as the Hearts team that we know we are and trying to believe that we can go and pick up a win."
Heart's aspirations Over the course of the summer, the noise level surrounding Hearts has increased.
After Tony Bloom's optimistic remarks to the media and supporters prior to the season opener against Aberdeen, everything reached a crescendo.
The team broke their transfer record to acquire Ageu at the conclusion of the summer.
Following the events at the club in recent months, there is now more demand and expectation at Tynecastle Park.
A desire and expectation that calls for a far improved performance at Ibrox. Halkett acknowledged that players find it challenging to reduce the loudness of such cacophony.
They know about Bloom's accomplishment and are football aficionados.
"You've got to put it to the side and just do our job, essentially," he stated. "It's as difficult as football. We all love football, watch a lot of it, and are aware of his past accomplishments at his prior clubs.
However, we cannot simply sit back and assume that just because he did it somewhere else, it will happen to us.
"Every week, we still have to go out and perform to the best of our abilities. We don't give it a lot of thought. We simply consider what we can accomplish each day before trying to get points during the weekend.
"I think it's disappointing in my time here when you think about how many times Rangers, Celtic, or Ibrox have come here,"
he continued. We most likely haven't gained nearly as many points as we could or ought to have.
We intend to go on Saturday, reverse the tide in our favour, and begin demonstrating our ability to compete at these venues. "There is a positive buzz about the location.
We can be sure that we can go there and try to score three points by giving it our all. "Obviously, if you play for Hearts, you should feel comfortable going anyplace and attempting to score three points.
"Obviously, if you play for Hearts, you should feel comfortable going anyplace and attempting to score three points.
"There is a strong sense of confidence within the team that we can win anywhere we go when you combine our strong start, squad size, and squad quality.
However, we are unable to hear what people are saying outside or see what our teams are thinking about us. We just go every weekend to attempt to win the game and see where it gets us. It's all about what we do inside."
Resilience and depth Hearts travel to Ibrox with the knowledge that they have a team that can come from behind and has depth and options on the bench if needed.
Hopefully, the comeback quality won't be necessary.
If it is, though, it might be just as difficult as beating Motherwell after falling behind 3-0 at Tynecastle. The experience and confidence to do so are crucial.
"We came through the League Cup fixture with four wins and scoring a lot of goals," said Halkett. "We were aware of our team's objectives.
"At that point, we hadn't given up many goals. Coming back and scoring goals late in the Dundee United game, in my opinion, just gives you the assurance that you have what it takes. You know you've done it before when you've already done it once this season.
"We demonstrated once more last week, and we even scored several late goals in the Motherwell game prior to that.
"I think it's just knowing you've got it in the squad and because we've already done it, everyone believes that as long as we're on the park, we've got a chance to score a goal."
Off the bench, Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis have both contributed to the spark, bit of inspiration, and intent.
Halkett knows how dangerous they are off the bench and how good they are both. On the other hand, it is acknowledged that hearts must begin at the beginning.
"It's good to know that you've got players on the team that can do that," he said. However, we would prefer not to have to depend on these lads to come on and win the game for us before that occurs.
"The goals we've lost recently have been disheartening.
However, it is a comfort to know that you have individuals and a large team that can come on and transform the game and win.
"From my perspective as a defender, it's a bit of a nightmare if you're on the other team and you notice that we have players who can come on in the final 20 or 30 minutes, as they have done in recent weeks. I'm happy that they are on our squad.
A game-time achievement
For the first time since the 2021–2022 season, Halkett has started five consecutive games.
He has actually only missed two games this season because he rested and rotated during the League Cup group round. It all stems from the player's successful summer, during which he made some "general lifestyle changes" and put himself in the best physical condition of his career.
"I've been really happy with the start of the season," he stated. "Obviously, I believe I can still do better, but this weekly playing consistency is something I haven't had in a few years.
"It's a nice thing to come through feeling fit and in good form. Everything is going well on that front because the team's ability to start strong gained a lot of points.
"I believe it's simply getting used to playing games and adjusting to the strain on your legs and body. Over the course of the weeks, you adjust to it and things grow simpler.
"I continue to believe that I'm becoming more fit, and I believe that this is happening every week. Hopefully, the more games I play, the better I'll feel.
"Even if you look back to last season, I struggled for game time at the start and came back fit," he continued.
After that, I played a few games, went out for a while, and then returned. I have never had a schedule where you have to play eight, nine, or 10 games in a row.
I'm reaching that stage now, and I simply sense that your body settles into a comfortable rhythm.
I changed my general lifestyle over the summer, took better care of myself, worked a little harder, and most likely just made sure I was in the greatest possible shape for returning to pre-season. "I think that's helped."
Centre-back competition Like the rest of the team, Halkett is aware that there is fierce competition for spots.
The centre-back position is a perfect example of that.
Jamie McCart has returned, but Frankie Kent will be out for a while. When Stephen Kinglsey, Stuart Findlay, and Michael Steinwender are included, the bar cannot be lowered.
"I think it was something I said back in pre-season, you want to play every single game, but I think it's something that you want and you need as a player to have the competition," Halkett said.
"You know you have to put in your best effort every training day if you want to try to make the squad on the weekend when you come in every week.
"We have many players, and many of them are skilled players. All I can do is go directly to myself and make sure I'm practicing and playing at my best when I get the chance, even though there are boys who likely feel that they should all start. The manager must be making a difficult decision."
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