WE DIDN’T TRY TO ROB RIVALS
HEARTS insist they didn’t try and hijack Hibs’ Kevin Nisbet deal late on.
The Hibees forked out a reported £250,000 to persuade Dunfermline to part with their top scorer, who has penned a fouryear contract.
Ex-St Johnstone winger Drey Wright was also confirmed on a two-year deal, while they’ve also signed former Hamilton midfielder Alex Gogic.
It had been claimed city rivals Hearts attempted to gazump their neighbours on wages after submitting a similar bid for Nisbet to the Pars late on Thursday.
Boss Robbie Neilson – when in charge of Dundee United – battled with Hibs boss Jack Ross for Nisbet last January, with both clubs having offers for the frontman booted out on deadline day.
But Record Sport understands that Neilson did not go back in with another offer for the striker this week in an attempt to force a late change of heart and tempt him to move across the capital.
The Tynecastle boss remains an admirer of Nisbet, but with the club preparing for their relegation arbitration tribunal and owner Ann Budge insisting they weren’t in a position to spend money while staff were on reduced wages, splashing out was not on the agenda.
Meanwhile, Neilson has revealed Peter Haring’s injury hell may ending.
The 27-year-old hasn’t featured since Hearts’ Scottish Cup Final defeat against Celtic last May and the length of his absence sparked fears he would never play for the club again. But Neilson said: “His hope is that he will be with us on the first day of pre-season. It would be massive if that happens.”
Neilson is also buoyed by the progress of John Souttar, who has resumed running after suffering a ruptured Achilles in February. He added: “We expect him to be ready to train in August as well.”