Oisin McEntee has been a mainstay of the Tynecastle starting line-up this season
Darren Johnstone
04:00, 18 Oct 2025
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Oisin McEntee was more interested in seeing touchdowns during the international break – but is determined to make sure Hearts keep flying today.
The versatile defender and team-mates Stephen Kingsley and Zander Clark headed to New York and took in an American football game as the Giants beat Philadelphia Eagles.
The Irishman – who was born in the Big Apple – also took the opportunity to visit his sister and friends.
The trio headed across the Atlantic with huge smiles after Hearts went into the break two points clear at the summit following a late derby win over Hibs. And they will look to maintain their stunning start to the season at Kilmarnock in this evening’s televised clash.
McEntee said: “It was really important we won that game just before the international break because you don’t want two weeks of sitting there angry.
“But we went into it the opposite way where you’re sitting happy with your performance and ready for your little break, ready to get back into football again.
“I love visiting New York and I have family out there.
“Stephen and Zander were there too and the two boys are big NFL fans as well, so we went and saw the Giants and the Eagles game and it was amazing. Me and Zander are Giants fans and Stephen’s an Eagles fan, so it was good the Giants finally won.
“There’s a few boys in the changing room that watch it most Sundays. I saw my sister when I was out there and the two boys did some sightseeing too.”
McEntee is loving shouldering the responsibility of trying to keep Derek McInnes ’ side at the top of the Premiership.
But he admits his own career was held up by a serious shoulder injury that set him back during his time at Walsall.
And the summer recruit added: “I had a really bad shoulder reconstruction. I basically dislocated it at the back and then chipped the top of my arm bone off.
“I had to get my shoulder blade put into my arm bone and nailed through it to fuse to a new bone. It’s nasty.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries and stuff like that and had a few operations.
“I think it does make it that extra bit special when you are doing well.
“I was out for seven months which is a long time out, and you’re just disappointed but these times definitely make it worth it.”
Hearts boss Derek McInnes
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Hearts boss Derek McInnes
McEntee – who is more used to playing in midfield – has started all of Hearts’ opening seven league games. And the 24-year-old has also shown his versatility after filling in at right- back in Christian Borchgrevink’s absence.
But McEntee admits that he will play anywhere as long as he’s on the pitch.
He added: “It’s obvious with our personnel that we don’t really have anyone there at the minute.
“I actually don’t know what the manager sees me as now. But I think he knows that I’m happy to play anywhere, whether that be in midfield or right-back.
“I think he knows that, so hopefully I can just keep playing.
“There’s always going to be a period of adjustment when you’re joining but I feel like I’ve adapted quite well and I’m still learning.
“And I’m open to learning off the players in the squad and the coaching team and I feel like everyone’s helped me out with that.”
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Hearts are enhancing their title credentials with every passing week but McEntee insists the players are not feeling any pressure.
He added: “Everyone in this training ground has just a good way about them as people, and all just have a bit of craic and chat away.
“Nothing’s really taken too serious where there’s pressure being put on ourselves. We’re all just taking it week by week and really enjoying it.”