Craig Halkett admits he pushed himself to the extremes in a Hamilton scorching field as he raced to prepare for Hampden.
Now he hopes the sweat and toil will guarantee he’s rewarded with a heat glow after this weekend’s Scottish Cup Closing.
The Hearts defender feared it was season over after injuring his ankle in final month’s semi-final win.
However he has made a outstanding restoration and is now hoping to drive his method again into Robbie Neilson’s Jambos line-up for the showdown with Rangers after making a return in opposition to the Ibrox males in Saturday’s Premiership curtain-closer.
Halkett mentioned: “It’s been a tricky three and a half weeks. There’s been lots of exhausting work to lastly get again on that pitch. It was good.
“On the time it occurred I feared the worst and thought it was season over. However fortunately every part has gone as easily because it may. I’m feeling good
“I’ve in all probability labored tougher during the last two or three weeks than I've accomplished all season.
“It’s a large sport and one I couldn’t bear to overlook.
“I’ve been going into an excessive surroundings chamber over at Hamilton.
“You’re in a room with a few bikes, treadmills, rowing machines and you may set the temperature, the altitude and the humidity.
“The opposite week I used to be on the bike for 40 minutes in 35 diploma warmth, 3000 altitude. So it’s robust.
“Hopefully it’s going to be massively useful for me. It’s a method of maintaining your health once you’re not truly out on the grass.
“I’ve been there 5 - 6 instances and dealing actually exhausting to do every part to get me again in the very best form potential. I really feel like I'm.”