ALBION loanee Alex Cochrane is enjoying his time at Scottish side Hearts after a great start to the season.

The defender has helped Hearts set the pace in the Scottish Premiership as they are currently second in the league and are the only unbeaten side in the division.

Cochrane said: "I've played nearly every game, and we are sat second in the league and unbeaten, so it's been a very good start.

"On a personal note, I am very happy, but it's a long season ahead and are tough games coming up, which is where it starts getting really challenging."

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City rivals Hibernian lost their unbeaten record when they lost league leaders Rangers on Sunday. Cochrane played in a goalless Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle last month.

The 21-year-old has impressed so far, helping Hearts' defence remain solid as they have only conceded five goals in their first eight games of the season, with Cochrane playing in seven of them.

He said: "We're really enjoying ourselves although we're trying not to get too carried away because we're only in October.

"There's a high level of expectation on us, if it's not to win, then to at least put in a good performance and do our best for Hearts. We're taking it in our stride, and we're working hard to maintain that level."

Cochrane hopes his performances, which has included one goal against Livingston in a 3-0 win, will endear him to Hearts supporters. However, he's not expecting them to start chanting his name.

He said: "I am sure there were people who didn't know much about me when I came to the club, but hopefully now they can see what sort of player I am, and they like me.

"The fans haven't got a song for me yet, and I am not sure it'll come anytime soon, but maybe a bit further down the line."

Once the international break is over, Hearts will face a tricky trip to the Ibrox to face Steven Gerrard's Rangers in a top of the table clash.

He said: "I hadn't bookmarked this as a match between second and first at the start of the season, but we go into it with loads of confidence.

"We know we can put on a very good show, and there's potential for us to get a decent result. It's going to be so tough, especially the qualities that Rangers have."