HARRY COCHRANE ONLY signed professional terms with Hearts in the summer but he was making a senior debut in September.
That’s just how highly-rated he is in Edinburgh.
But as much as there has been plenty of chat about him and other young talents at the club, it was today’s 4-0 victory over Celtic that will assure a new level of curiosity and interest.
Cochrane made his first appearance for Hearts in a 2-1 defeat to Dundee when a litany of injuries prompted a rapid promotion under manager Craig Levein.
Since then, it’s been a remarkable tale. Cochrane’s ascent has provided Hearts’ highly-regarded youngsters with inspiration and others have stepped up too.
Earlier this week – when hosting Dundee – Cochrane was joined in the starting XI by another 16-year-old, Anthony McDonald. 19-year-old Lewis Moore was also involved. And in total, Levein has blooded nine teenagers so far this term.
Cochrane remains top of the class, though.
It was he who put Hearts in front against Brendan Rodgers’ side, keeping his nerve and calmly slotting to the net as Celtic captain Scott Brown desperately tried to make a last-ditch block.
In advance of the clash, Cochrane spoke of his admiration for the combative Bhoys’ skipper.
“I’ve been watching him since I was a young boy so that would be something special,” he told the Edinburgh News.
“It would be tough but if I manage to play against him it will be brilliant”.
That the skinny, callow Cochrane subsequently got one over on the bruising, veteran Brown in such a high-profile fixture was incredible.
Hearts went on to add a further three goals and deliver an inexplicable victory, ending Celtic’s 69-game unbeaten run.
Cochrane played 90 minutes for the first time and was voted Man of the Match too.
“I was a wee bit nervous before the game but I think I did alright,” he told reporters afterwards.
The warm-up can be a wee bit scary but the more you play the more you forget about the fans and everything.”
Usually, the player voted as Man of the Match receives a magnum of champagne. But, because of his age, Cochrane couldn’t even be presented with it.
After everything he’s been through in the last few months, he probably doesn’t mind too much.
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For who, he’s better than Jones, and, while he played very well there, I Don’t think Schmidt will trust Zebo at 15 at the business end of the pool stages
I don’t necessarily disagree with you, but why do you say Kearney is better than Jones?
Cian, I think it’s at this stage it’s based only on experience. Leaving that out, I think they’re possibly on a par.
Very much so
Kearney is better than Jones. He may not be playing well at the minute but apart from a dip in form for most of last season he’s clearly one of the best fullbacks in the world.
No coach has ever picked Jones ahead of him, he’s been on lions tours, won a grand slam, triple crowns and six nations titles as well as HC’s with Leinster, he also won ERC player of the year in 2012.
No doubting Jones is a good player and playing well but really he’s not in a on form Kearneys class
I agree with Chris.
Players aren’t robots they are human like anyone else.
Form is temporary but class is permanent.
Kearney will be at 15 for Ireland when it counts.
He’s clearly behind Dagg, Falou, Halpenny, brown, Le Roux, Hogg so consider your statement Chris. He’s not near the top.
as u said your self Kearney’s not in form! Going in the WC Would u prefer a form player playing out of his skin or a player who’s as u said was out of form all last season n his last world class game was 2/3 years ago
Going by current form, there is no way you can consider Kearney as being one of the best fullbacks in the world. It might not be nice to hear but he’s not that great and is living off his 2009 form. The man does nothing in attack, hasn’t been that dominant in the air and has never been great defensively. The best fullbacks in the world know how to run with the ball, step, pass. He’s a very rigid player.
He’s a better footballer, better in the air, more experienced and a good option for a drop goal. I like Jones but think Kearney is better. For the record I reckon Zebo would be a great option at 15 if Kearney isint doing his stuff
If you took an on form Kearney and on form halfpenny, then, aside from the kicking of halfpenny, I’d say Kearney is a lot better. But other than that I agree with you.
No way! halfpenny all day (kicking is really important BTW)
Kearney could be under pressure for the 15 spot
We’ll see how “mentally tougher” media darling Kearney is when Schmidt eventually drops him. Could happen in the next few weeks…
so bitter!
Pretty odd comment to make but each to their own.
It he carries over this lack of form from last season, he shouldn’t make the starting 15. Form players win theses tournaments
I am not pro or anti any province, I only give my honest opinion on players regardless of where they play their club rugby. Might I suggest lonestar that u take the blue tinted glasses off any call players on face value for the next 7/8 weeks
Philip you are without doubt one of the most anti Leinster trolls on this site.
I’m far from anti Leinster, maybe ur too pro Leinster to see it, I’ve a feeling ud like to have Shane Jennings in the back row
Philip you are getting embarrassing at this stage…you call it as you see it? All you seem to ‘call’ is the faults of any Leinster player in the Ireland set up.
I’ve been very critical of Kilcoyne & Hurley, I’m always saying I don’t think Matt Healy deserves as much praise as he gets and I’ve never rated touhy or cave as nothing more than journey men but caves last outing did impress me. Alex u seem to get hyper defensive when someone criticises a Leinster player. Do u think my criticism
of R.kearney is unjustified?
The majority of your comments on Leinster players are negative. It’s a trend noticed by many on the42 and I am by far sensitive. Kearney had dipped in form by HIS standards but I’d have him starting 15 everyday of the week over Jones and Zebo and I’m guessing Joe will pick him too ps he knows more that you and me.
As someone once said…I’m just calling it as I see it….
Kearney is 100% nailed on at FB so the majority of this debate is completely pointless. Get behind the team!
I agree with the majority of the comments about Kearney. He is desperately out of form. The only problem is we don’t have too many viable options. Joe doesn’t seem to trust Jones fully, while Zebo lacks experience, something that Kearney has in abundance and one of the reasons he is still in the driving seat. Experience will only keep him in the team for so long because on form he doesn’t merit the jersey. Zebo might turn out to be a fantastic full back but he needs to start there consistently for Munster. Kearney is a media darling, he is in the indo every second day, this is gonna make his fall even harder. let’s hope he recaptured some form in time for the world cup.
Shocking comments for the most part. Drivel.
Maybe the reason he is the starting fullback is because he has the full trust of Joe, whereas the other options don’t. Plus he know the systems and power plays inside out. If Ireland were playing one of the big teams tomorrow in a match that mattered, I know who I would want at fullback