Loan kid Mitchell set for debut

DEMETRI MITCHELL will fly into Hearts’ training camp in Spain today before signing a six-month loan deal from Manchester United.

The 21 year-old left-back – Craig Levein’s first signing of the January window – will make his debut in the friendly against German second-tier side Nurnberg in Valencia tomorrow.

Mitchell made one first-team appearance for the Red Devils against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in May. And Levein believes Hearts have pulled off a massive signing coup by landing such a highly-rated prospect.

The Tynecastle boss said: “Demetri is an exciting young talent at Manchester United. They think highly of him and feel it’s time for him to go out and play on loan.

“He was a winger who’s been converted to full-back. We’ve spoken regularly about trying to find a balance and I’m sure Demetri will provide us with that.

“With bringing somebody in so young there are difficulties in that he has to hit the ground running.

“He’s a confident young lad and I’m sure he’ll be a valuable addition.”

Levein will now look to cut short injury-hit Manchester City defender Ashley Smith-Brown’s loan.

Meanwhile Go Ahead Eagles striker Leon de Kogel has returned to Holland but talks remain ongoing.

ANTHONY HAGGERTY