Life as a Hearts player is not entirely without its perks.
By necessity these incur little cost for the Tynecastle club and so the decision of John Robertson to perform the role of coach for free brings a source of positivity to a side which has endured a pretty miserable summer so far. And which starts the season 15 points behind.
It also offers an invaluable source of expertise for the likes of Callum Paterson. The 18-year-old is expected to lead the line for Hearts in their opening SPFL Premiership fixture with St Johnstone tomorrow and will head out with the advice of Robertson at the front of his mind. It seems fitting for a club facing an uncertain future that it can still find value from its past and Robertson has been willing to pass on his striking expertise from a Hearts career which brought 214 goals over two spells at the club.
Much if this has been focused on Paterson, whose versatility has led him to perform at full-back, midfield and up front. It is in the latter role which he intends to proceed and he has proven to be an attentive pupil in training. "Robbo's taught me a lot in the last couple of weeks, the experience he's got has helped me a lot," said Paterson, who scored just three times last season. "I'm mobile but his finishing and movement, all that's ridiculous, so I just need to learn from him. He's unbelievable. The way he describes things, how he can make you relax in front of goal, how he teaches you technique and running off the ball and stuff, it's just ridiculous.
"Last year was a bit tedious for me, I was running about like an idiot but now I know what I'm doing. Playing as a single striker last year, I just had to run in the channels. I didn't understand, really, I was just running about. But now he's taught me and given me an insight into what to do, it's a lot easier this year. I just need to relax a lot more. There was a lot of pressure last year, but now I'm used to it."
Hearts might still be unsettled by the prospect of having to chip away at a 15-point gap at the foot of the table as a result of administration. Paterson, though, is intent not to seem unnerved. "If we get a result on Sunday it's going to get us off to a flier, then we'll hopefully carry on from there," he said.
The pursuit of progress is also occupying the mind of Stevie May, the St Johnstone striker who is back in the first time after two prolific loan spells at Alloa Athletic and Hamilton Academical. The 20-year-old started this season in rude form - scoring as the Perth club eased past Rosenborg in a Europa League second round qualifier - but was back on the bench against FC Minsk in the first leg of the following round.
It is not somewhere he intends to stay. "I was gutted not to be playing on Thursday night," said May. "But that's obvious. I want to play my part. Sunday is good opportunity for me to stake my claim."
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