Hearts have point to prove as Frankie Kent tells Neil Critchley 'he's ready' (2025)

The Jambos defender made no excuses as he admitted 'we haven't played well enough as our position shows'

Frankie Kent knows his Posh pals were partying after lifting silverware at Wembley last weekend.

Now he’s dreaming of a royal knees up at a national stadium himself as Hearts target their own sparkling end to the season.

With the Jambos’ campaign heading towards the poor house after their top six miss, Kent knows the Scottish Cup is the last chance to save face.

The 29-year-old, back in contention after four months injured, is desperate to lord it over Aberdeen in today’s semi final and give the 22,000 travelling punters reason to believe again.

Kent spent three years at Peterborough before moving to Tynecastle. He’s seen Posh lift the EFL Trophy twice since – the latest coming as Darren Ferguson’s side shocked Birmingham 2-0 on Sunday.

And the Englishman said: “It was a good game, wasn’t it? I didn’t go down. I went down last year to see it. A lot of them are still there from my time – the same manager and staff.

“I was just happy for them. They were big underdogs, weren’t they? They did really well. That is where you want to be. That is where you want to play.

“I was fortunate to play two semi finals at Hampden last year. Obviously it didn’t go as we wanted it to. But you want to play on the biggest stages and remember these games when you are done and finished.”

Positive words. Yet these are exactly the occasions Hearts have been accused of bottling this season.

The accusation goes that they’ve not won a single ‘big game’. And with no victories against Hibs, Celtic, Rangers or Aberdeen it’s a difficult one to argue against.

There was also the Europa Conference League flop at home to Petrocub. Kent accepts the flak. And he knows there’s only one way to put it right.

He said: “It’s been a tough season, we haven’t played well enough as our position shows. We cannot get away from that.

“In the big games it has been tight either way in my opinion. Things could have gone our way but they haven’t, I can’t put a finger on why. But we have another opportunity to change that.

“I wouldn’t say it would salvage the season. 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.

“Football moves quickly. You cannot dwell on it too much. But yes, everyone was gutted with how last week went.

“Now we have a big game to look forward to and everyone is up for that.

“I feel like the boys have a point to prove in terms of getting a good result and getting through."

Kent hasn’t kicked a competitive ball in anger since injuring his quad muscle against Copenhagen in December.

The 6ft 3in stopper had to make do with a place on the bench as he returned to the squad for the goalless draw at Motherwell that sealed their bottom six fate.

But Neil Critchley could be tempted to throw him back into the starting XI at Hampden for his experience alone.

And should he get the call Kent is sure adrenaline will pull him through.

He said: “Yes, I think so. The importance of the game and the pressure of the game, it would do. I’m experienced enough personally to deal with these sorts of games. If I was put back in then yes, I definitely feel like I am ready.

“Don’t get me wrong it would be tough but I feel 100 per cent ready to be playing. If I’m involved then you can take a bit more responsibility.

“We have a good dressing room to try and bring more out of each other and out of the team.

“The pressure is on for Saturday. There is no getting away from it, it is a big game. It is up to us to put on a good performance and show some bottle.

“There’s no excuse for not being up for a semi-final knowing you are one win away from a final and potentially winning some silverware.

“We have to show a reaction to what has happened this season and last week but I am sure we can do that.

“Now is the time to come together as a squad and show what a good team we are, get behind each other and support each other whoever is playing.

”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.”