Accused of not looking at the domestic market, here are some options the Jambos could consider
Michael Stewart’s criticism of Hearts’ recruitment seems to have struck a chord with supporters.
The former Tynecastle captain accused the club of ignoring talent already in the Scottish leagues which could do a better job than some of the players they have signed from overseas, an appraisal that has previously been levelled at both Celtic and Rangers. Stewart aired concerns over current boss Steven Naismith and the direction the team are headed in but also said the recruitment, which doesn’t lay at the new boss’ door, hasn’t helped.
The reaction from fans has been one of agreement and they’d like to see more Scottish players recruited. The Jambos have brought in several players from the A-League in Australia and two from Japan as they look to scour the globe for bargain deals.
It should be noted that recruiting players directly from other Scottish teams may come at a premium because they do not want to sell to a league competitor and will therefore demand a bit more cash to ease the pain. So you typically have to wait until a target’s contract expires, which may be tough because English teams can also come in.
But that said, there are plenty of players in the Scottish game who COULD improve the Hearts team so here is a look at just some.
Danny Armstrong (Kilmarnock)
A player that Hearts fans have often picked out when playing against Killie, and he excelled against Celtic yesterday.
This season, the winger has generated 56 chances for the Ayrshire men, assisting five goals and scored three himself.
It’s not a one-off either; he’s been doing it consistently in the Premiership for a season and a half now, and before that in the second tier.
A fee would be required and Killie would be hard to deal with for a divisional rival but then again he will have just a year left on his deal come the summer.
Contracted until: May 2025
Transfermarkt value: £725k
Ryan Strain (St Mirren)
This seems highly likely for three reasons: 1. He is out of contract in the summer; 2. Hearts require a right-back; and 3. 3. He’s from Australia.
Strain is now sidelined for three months due to an injury, which would rule out a January move, but the Jambos might contact him about a summer move. If they decide to do so, a loan to someone else to bridge the gap until then may be in order.
Strain has undoubtedly been the league’s top right-back outside of the Old Firm, and while Nathaniel Atkinson has been selected ahead of him for an Australia game, the Buddies man has looked better domestically.
Contracted until: May 2024
Transfermarkt value: £685k
Lyall Cameron (Dundee)
Cameron is a name that the Jambos have been linked with before. The diminutive midfielder has technical ability, craft and guile and scores and assists goals for his side.
His returns in the top flight haven’t been quite the same as they were in the Championship last season but is still a key figure for a side that’s been punching above it’s weight.
He’s been a big player for Scotland under-21s too, sometimes playing ahead of Hearts loanee Alex Lowry.
Contracted until: May 2025
Transfermarkt value: £320k
Lewis Mayo (Kilmarnock)
Derek McInnes has developed a defence that is very formidable, and the former Rangers youth has played a huge part in it.
Has also demonstrated his versatility by playing at right-back and centre half, yet this is not the type of player Hearts would be seeking for to replace the vacancy on the right.
Another player who starred in yesterday’s win over Celtic.
Contract expires in May 2026.
The transfermarkt value is £427k.
Stuart Findlay (Kilmarnock)
Another one that could be realistic in that Findlay is only on loan at Killie from Oxford United.
There were also previous links to both Hearts and Hibs during his first spell at Rugby Park, with the defender instead opting to take the plunge and try out MLS with Philadelphia Union.
He didn’t play much but got his career back on track in League One down south before a change of manager meant he no longer fit with the plans. Now showing himself once again to be a good Scottish Premiership defender.
Contracted until: June 2026 (with Oxford, on loan at Kilmarnock until May 2024)
Transfermarkt value: £385k
Robbie Deas (Kilmarnock)
You could pick any one of Killie’s three major defenders…and we did!
Deas was the standout centre back in the Championship, and it was surprising that a top tier club took so long to swoop.
Killie has benefited from being the ones who took the risk, as he has maintained his form since making the transition. A key component of the early season victories over the Old Firm and again yesterday.
Contract expires in May 2025.
The transfermarkt value is £470k.
Keanu Baccus (St Mirren)
Along with Strain, his fellow Aussie has been a cut above for St Mirren, currently ahead of Hearts in the table.
Has attracted attention from England and has stated he would love to try it out down there after a move to Bolton collapsed last summer.
You’d think he could get a better club than that, in the Championship perhaps, but if nothing materialises then teams like Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen should be looking.
Contracted until: May 2024
Transfermarkt value: £727k
Yan Dhanda (Ross County)
The creative midfielder is another who has been on the lips of Hearts fans.
Even though he appeared to be stifled at times under Malky Mackay, played quite deep and sometimes benched, you could see there was a player there.
Scored his only goal of the season since Derek Adams took over and will be looking to carry on that form – if he does calls for his signing will only grow.
Contracted until: May 2024
Transfermarkt value: £684k
Mika Biereth (Motherwell)
The Arsenal loanee has struggled with injuries in his short time at Fir Park (insert joke about fitting in at Hearts) but that hasn’t stopped him looking electric when he has played.
The Danish striker has scored five goals in nine games for the Steelmen, some of which were off the bench, and looks a real rounded threat as a centre forward.
He has pace and powerful running as well as being strong and good in the air and can certainly finish too.
On loan at Motherwell until the conclusion of the season, when the Jambos could try to swoop in and offer another season in the Premiership, or perhaps a permanent transfer.
Contracted till: Motherwell on loan until May 2024, Arsenal details unknown.
£556k on transfermarkt
Leave a Reply