Target Meshino on loan

Levein ‘hugely excited’ about prospect of City

HEARTS manager Craig Levein remains “really positive” about the season ahead and is “hugely excited” about the prospect of signing Japanese forward Ryotaro Meshino.

Some fans called for Levein to quit after an opening-day Ladbrokes Premiership defeat at Aberdeen was followed by a goalless draw against Ross County.

The 54-year-old has since added Manchester United goalkeeper Joel Pereira and Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan to his squad.

When asked whether he is feeling pressure ahead of tonight’s Betfred Cup tie at Motherwell, Levein said: “One of the advantages of being old is that I’ve seen this situation a number of times.

“We just haven’t hit our stride yet and it just takes one win to get us off and running. We had the same problem last season, we had a poor run through the Betfred and ended up banging a few goals in one game and that was it.

“I look at the quality of player we’ve got and the depth of our squad, and touch wood we don’t get too many injury problems, and I feel really positive about the season ahead.”

Meshino’s potential arrival has added to Levein’s optimism. Gamba Osaka announced they had agreed a deal to sell the 21-year-old to Manchester City last week and he is being lined up for a loan spell.

Levein said: “We are working on that, we will have an idea of the hearing date for a special talent visa shortly. I’m hugely excited about this one, he is an extremely talented young boy.

“Our supporters get off their seats when somebody runs at players and takes them on and is entertaining.

“Normally we wouldn’t be able to afford a player of his significance. So I am hopeful, although I can’t say any more than that.”