New Hearts signing Beni Baningime hopes his big game experience with Everton can stand him in good stead for a debut against Celtic.
The midfielder goes straight into Robbie Neilson ’s squad for tomorrow night’s Scottish Premiership opener against the Hoops at Tynecastle after penning a three-year deal yesterday.
After joining the Toffees at the age of nine, Baningime rose through the ranks to the first team and featured against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Lyon during his time at Goodison.
It may have been a while since he operated at that level, but the 22-year-old is desperate to get a taste of the big occasion in maroon when Ange Postecoglou’s team come calling.
“Looking back at it, it seems like forever ago but it sticks with you, playing in those big games,” he told Hearts TV.
“This is a big game as well so hopefully I can use the experience that I had there.
“I’m excited. What a game to begin with. I’m fit and ready to go if the manager selects me.”
Injuries curtailed what was a promising Everton career for Baningime. Loans to Wigan Athletic and Derby County didn’t go as planned, so he’s delighted to get the chance to showcase what he can do in Gorgie.
“It’s been a tough career so far in that I started well but then a couple of loans didn’t work out,” he admitted.
“But I’m so happy to get this opportunity and thanks to the staff and the gaffer and to everyone who helped bring me here.
“And obviously to Everton as well for allowing this move to happen.
“I felt like it was time to move on. Me and my family believe in God and we felt this was the move to kick start my career. By the grace of God I’ll carry on working, improve and help the team.
“At first, Hearts wasn’t in my head. But I came here, spoke to the team and spoke to the gaffer.
“It wasn’t like “aw I’m not coming to Hearts’, it was more that I didn’t know anything but after seeing the club and the standards here, I definitely want to be here.
“It’s a great bunch of boys, the gaffer’s great and everyone here is nice. From the kit man right through, every single one of them.
“The manager’s been really informative. In different games he’s going to need different tactics so will need to use different sides of me.
“I spoke to David Unsworth. He’s the one that’s really helped me out over the last few seasons and gave me my debut at Everton so I thank God for him. He said it was a good move so that really put me at ease as well.
“Anywhere that you go with that security [of a three-year contract] and they say they want this and this from you, it’s really comforting.”
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