Hearts coach Murray backs Tapping to go far

HEARTS coach Darren Murray today praised the attitude of teenage midfielder Callum Tapping and said he can go far in football with his mature approach.

The youngster was dropped for the recent Scottish Communities League Cup final defeat by St Mirren, but Murray is delighted with his response to the disappointment.

Tapping was left in the stand as Hearts lost 3-2 at Hampden Park and Murray conceded he was unfortunate to be dropped from the squad. The former Tottenham Hotspur player has made a good impression during 14 appearances in his first season at senior level and is expected to feature more between now and the end of the season.

During the international break Tapping played twice for the Hearts Under-20 side, coached by Murray, who applauded the 19-year-old’s application.

“I think Callum’s been a bit unfortunate to drop out of the first team,” Murray told the Evening News. “He’s played the last two under-20 games and the good thing about him is he just wants to play.

“He’s so enthusiastic about wanting to get the ball down and pass it. He won a penalty for the under-20s on Monday with his desire to go past three players from midfield and drive into the box.

“He has a fantastic attitude. Even when he was dropped from the squad for the League Cup final, he was in the dressing room wishing the boys all the best.

“That type of outlook will take him anywhere he wants to go in the game. His attitude has been first class and he is also a very good football player.”