‘Something special is happening,’ admits goal hero Claudio Braga as Hearts try to keep feet on the ground

Claudio Braga admits it is becoming impossible not to feel that something special is happening around Tynecastle with Hearts now just nine games away from winning a sensational title.

The Portuguese forward scored the goal that earned Derek McInnes’ side a 1-0 win over Aberdeen and ensured that they are now six points clear at the top of the Premiership.

Braga concedes he is trying to stay on the level despite growing levels of expectation that the Gorgie side can take the crown for the first time since 1960. However, the surging levels of belief he is feeling around the club are making that tricky.

‘We are still trying to keep our feet on the ground, but it is difficult not to believe it even more. Hopefully, the belief can keep getting stronger and stronger,’ he said.

‘Like I said, we need to keep our feet on the ground a little bit and think game by game, but you can feel that there is something special around this club and something good is really happening.

‘I feel everyone can feel it and that is why the tension is sometimes there.

Braga scores his 15th goal of the season in a 1-0 victory against Aberdeen at Tynecastle 

Lawrence Shankland has been offering advice to the team during his absence through injury

‘Think game by game. We have a week off to rest a little bit and, hopefully, we can get the three points in the next game.’

Braga admits, however, that the role of the Tynecastle support in keeping the players motivated has been a real weapon in the armoury and will be vital in the weeks and months ahead.

‘I understand the tension in some games because it is getting closer to the end of the Premiership, but the atmosphere was really there (against Aberdeen),’ he said.

‘The players are giving everything on the pitch even though we have a lot of injuries, but the guys coming in are stepping in so well and it is good to see that the fans are behind us even with all the struggles we are having.

‘It’s fun, to be honest, to hear the crowd like this. I feel like every footballer dreams of this and it is so good to have such a nice atmosphere.

‘It drives us on. In some games, if we didn’t have that atmosphere, we’d struggle all the more. It is not a cliché. It gives us motivation. It is amazing.’

Braga admits he has even taken to singing his own song – based on Queen hit ‘Radio Gaga’ – to himself.

‘I try not to take it too personal, because the guys in the locker-room will fine me if I get too excited,’ he laughed. ‘Sometimes, I sing it myself. Just whistling and everything. It just gets stuck in your mind.’

Braga’s 15th goal of the season against Aberdeen was extra-special as his father, who celebrated his birthday last Friday, was in the ground with his brother, sister, stepmum and friends.

‘Scoring in front of my father was so good because he has always supported me in football. It was amazing to do it for him,’ said the striker.

‘He has been a few times, but I never scored, so this one was special and just for him.’

Braga now wants to finish the campaign with 20 goals on his record.

‘That’s my goal. Hopefully, I can get there,’ he stated. ‘I had 15 as my target, but I started the season really well and thought I would make it higher.

‘I tried to put the goal in softly. It was a Lawrence Shankland tip.

‘He likes to talk a lot and he has a lot of experience, so we listen to him a lot. He always puts messages into the group and tries to motivate.

‘He is probably struggling a lot being outside and he definitely wants to be inside the pitch, but he’s been trying to coach a little bit because he is so experienced. He helps us.’