Craig Halkett admits he has found it easy to switch off amidst a hectic Scottish Premiership title race, as Hearts target a third straight split win against Motherwell.

Speaking with the media before the Fir Park visit, Halkett singled out his family life as the key to helping him shut off from footballing pressures.

“I’m actually expecting a baby in four or five weeks’ time so that’s been a good distraction for me.”

“I’ve got my girlfriend and two dogs back at home so as soon as I go home, it’s quite easy to switch off.

“I think it’s important that you’ve still got it in the back of your mind and you’re not just going home and doing what you want. Obviously, with life as a footballer, you’re 100% all-in on your work.

“You don’t switch off completely, but to go home with a great family, it’s quite easy for me to switch off.

“Obviously, football is going really well at the moment and life at home is going really well, so it could be a special summer.”

Halkett has enjoyed one of his best seasons in maroon, featuring on 34 occasions with 6 goals. Alongside centre back partner Stuart Findlay, Hearts have boosted the best defensive record in the Premiership.

The defender acknowledged that his side has engineered itself into a remarkable position, but refuses to look any further than Motherwell, who will pose another test.

“From my personal point of view, the pressure is still the same as it’s been all season,”

“It’s hard to ignore the position we’re in, but everyone’s got their feet on the ground. Everyone knows how difficult it’s going to be and how far away it can still be, so the full focus is just on Saturday.

“I think we’re all just buzzing. The confidence is really high in the changing room.

“We don’t have any past experiences, good or bad, of being in this position, so everything’s new and we’re all just going with it. We’re all in good spirits.”

Halkett’s strong individual form may warrant a Scotland call-up, but even with the World Cup on the horizon, Craig insists his full focus is on Hearts.

“It’s not something that’s at the front of my mind, if I’m being honest.”

“My full focus this season has been on Hearts and myself, and playing as many games as I could.

“If that put me in a position to be called up, then great. If it didn’t, I wasn’t going to be too disappointed about it. It’s been a tough couple of years for me so coming back and playing as many games for Hearts as I could was my main focus. Thankfully, I’m doing that.”

Motherwell v Heart of Midlothian

Saturday 9th May 8pm