STARS ALIGNED AFTER HARRY HEARTACHE

HARD WORK PAYS Milne out to cement Hearts' left-back berth

- BY GORDON PARKS

HARRY MILNE insists his breakthrough at Hearts is a triumph of perseverance over adversity after a slow-burning career of setbacks and sliding door moments.

The 28-year-old admits life at Tynecastle is a far cry from part-time football and working in a bar after failing to make the grade at Aberdeen as a teenager.

Being ditched by the Dons for being too small led to an eight-year stint at Cove Rangers before landing a move to Partick Thistle where he earned an 18-month deal with the Jambos in January.

And Milne believes fate has now played its hand as he looks to cement the left-back berth.

He said: "I was dropped by Aberdeen when we jumped from 15s to 17s.