The return of Craig Halkett to training was a welcome sight for everyone involved at Heart of Midlothian as Liam Boyce revealed the centre-back's importance on the training ground.

Halkett has been out injured since December following a knee injury sustained in a draw at Dundee United but made a big step in his recovery this past week after being back involved on the pitch.

His presence was notable after what has been a two-week spell where the team have wanted to right the wrongs of the draw with Hibs.

READ MORE: Hearts injury update - Who is out and when willl they return

"The frustration is there that you want to go out for the next game and do better," Boyce said. "Even in training it’s a bit more competitive, big Halks is back in training. If you don’t know him then he’s probably the most competitive person I’ve met! The standard is getting pushed more and more. International breaks give people time to get back and get ready to go.

"Even when I’m coming back or Beni [Baningime], anyone out for a long time, you’re just buzzing to see them running out onto the pitch. It’s a big achievement for him to come through that and he’s looking good. He’s so competitive. In training not everyone is demanding or shouting at people. He is definitely one of them and it’ll only help the rest of us. You need to take it the right way. He’s not arguing because he doesn’t like you, it’s for the benefit of the team. That’s what he always does on and off the pitch."

Meanwhile, Boyce revealed he has left the door open for a return to the international fold with Northern Ireland after taking time away due to family matters.

"Travelling the world and not playing or getting ten or 15 minutes, I was thinking was it really worth me sitting in a hotel for ten days when my family were on their own in Scotland," he said. "It wasn’t worth it at that time. I can’t say I’m definitely going back but I’d never say I’m not going back."

READ MORE: Analysis: Why Hearts are struggling with attacking set-pieces

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