MacPHEE: ALL GOOD – FOR STARTERS
AUSTIN MacPHEE was pleased to see Hearts’ new signings settle in but admits there are bigger tests to come.
The Jambos kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win away at Arbroath on Tuesday, with Aidan Keena and Ross Callachan on target.
Craig Levein gave 23 players game time, with nine new signings featuring at some point along with trialists Ali Crawford and Kevin Silva.
And Hearts assistant MacPhee said: “One of the things you want to see is what you thought they could bring to the club they can actually offer.
“Olly Lee showed really good composure on the ball, Uche Ikpeazu showed his strength and playing out of the back, Peter Haring showed good quality and was strong in the air.
“Jake Mulraney at wing-back was explosive in the second half, young Bobby Burns did well and was competitive.
“This is what we expect but how they react when the games come thick and fast remains to be seen. They all see with each
other there are a lot of players and they have to be very competitive to get in the team.
“We have to make sure there is a high requirement to compete against each other to get in the manager’s team.”
With Steven Naismith expected to complete a year-long loan move back to Tynecastle to become the 11th signing – injured Zdenek Zlamal didn’t play against Arbroath – Hearts look to have a stronger squad than the one that finished sixth.
MacPhee added: “Last season we had a lot of injuries and the way the transfers went resulted in a lot of young players playing.
“Some have done well and will play significantly this season but at times we maybe didn’t have the experience. There are a lot of players this season with experience in leagues similar to the SPFL.”
Hearts begin their competitive campaign on July 18 with a Betfred Cup trip to Cove and Burns, 18, said: “Getting a bit of a taste of it whets your appetite.
“There’ll be more opportunities in the coming friendlies to prove a point to the manager for the start of the season.”