Signed: April 2002 from Hearts Football Academy

Debut: 30 November 2003

Honours: Hearts club captain; Youth, U21 and B International

A physically imposing stopper who had some early experience with Edina Hibs, but came through the Tynecastle youth development system to earn a full professional contract in April 2002.

The big centre-half was impressive in the Youth and U21 sides and quickly won the confidence of the management team. Accordingly, he was drafted into the senior squad and made 6 appearances in 2003/04 as he covered injuries to the regular defenders. His pace and strength immediately caught the eye and Christophe earned Youth International honours at the end of the campaign.

His attitude and work rate impressed the Tynecastle coaches and Christophe became a regular in the squad and on the bench. The quick and athletic defender learned fast and looked increasingly assured after picking up first-team experience. As a result Christophe was selected for the Scottish U21 team to play against Italy and played in a 2-0 defeat in Pavia, earning his first cap.

He stepped into the defensive gap after the departures of Andy Webster and Steven Pressley in 2006 and 2007, and has progressed quickly to the fringes of the Scottish international setup. He succeeded Craig Gordon as Hearts captain in August 2007.