JAMIE Walker is planning to take advantage of Hearts' optional off-season fitness programme to make sure he hits the ground running in the Premiership next season.
The Tynecastle side have come up with the idea of running voluntary classes throughout the summer should their players want to keep themselves in shape. Guilt trip or not, the 21-year-old from Edinburgh, one of two Tynecastle stars among the nominees for the PFA Scotland young player of the year award, is planning to take advantage.
"It's up to each individual player to keep himself in shape over the summer," said Walker. "If you come back from pre-season and aren't in shape then the manager won't be afraid to tell you. So I'm sure the boys will be looking after themselves.
"There's a schedule up and its optional, whether you want to come in two or three days a week. So I think a few of the boys will be doing that. Some will be away on holiday which is allowed, but to come in a couple of times a week and keep yourself in shape, it's only going to be of benefit. I will be in, probably just to get out of the house and away from the missus and the wee man! If all the lads are coming in, no-one will want to be the one who isn't doing it. It's a good idea."
Walker, one of a number of Hearts players to have hit double figures this year, has a long enough memory to recall life in the Premiership last time around, when Gary Locke's side battled in vain against a points penalty for going into administration.
"We need to get a good start," he said. " Last time around we got beaten by a few teams and took a few doings actually. Hopefully next season we can put a few wrongs right."
The 21-year-old, who was linked with Real Betis in January, knows a return to the top flight also gives him a chance to put himself in the shop window.
"You always want to play at the highest level," he said. "I know, and any club watching will know, that it's only the Scottish Championship. A few teams will be keeping an eye on me next season so it's important I kick on."
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