Neilson delighted with double signing
HEARTS manager Robbie Neilson admits he is delighted to have completed the signings of Lewis Neilson and Kyle Rowles on three-year contracts.
Versatile defender Neilson, 19, joins from Dundee United on what Hearts have described as a “free transfer”, even though United believe they are due training compensation for a player who had been at the club for nine years.
Hearts are confident that they will not have to part with any money amid suggestions the Tannadice club failed to offer him terms in time to protect their right to compensation.
Australia internationalist Rowles has completed his move from Central Coast Mariners and will link up with fellow countrymen Cammy Devlin and Nathaniel Atkinson at Tynecastle.
On Lewis Neilson, who made 10 appearances last season after making his debut in August 2020, Hearts boss and namesake Neilson said: “Lewis is someone I’ve known for a while as he was coming through the ranks at Dundee United when I was manager there.
“Even back then you could see his potential and he’s continued to improve, so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring him to Hearts.
“He’s a very quick and strong player with all the attributes needed to make it at the top level, and I’m sure Hearts will provide the perfect environment for Lewis to work hard, develop and take his career forward.”
Hearts sporting director Joe Savage said: “We were interested in Lewis as soon as we heard there was a chance he might not renew his contract at Dundee United.
“To get him on a free transfer is great business from our perspective. We’re overwhelmed by it, to be honest.”
Rowles has agreed his move, subject to visa approval, despite still being on international duty.
After earning his second cap in Tuesday’s World Cup play-off over the United Arab Emirates, the centre-half is now preparing for Monday’s decisive clash with Peru.
Neilson added: “This is an exciting transfer for us and one that everyone has worked real
ly hard to get over the line.
“Kye has a fantastic reputation over in Australia and his talent has seen him rise to the top of the game.
“To get another international player in the door is a big coup and I’m really looking forward to working with him. Hearts is the perfect place for Kye to continue his development and I believe he is someone who can help improve the team.”
Neilson, however, has conceded he has little chance of extending Ellis Simms’ loan from Everton.
The striker made a big impression at Tynecastle during the second half of the campaign after netting seven goals in 20 outings, including a stunning effort in the Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Hibernian.
However, the 21-year-old’s form has not gone unnoticed by English Championship clubs and Neilson admits he has been inundated by calls from teams interested in recruiting Simms.
Neilson said: “I’d love to get him back and we’re trying to get him back, but if I’m being brutally honest, I don’t think we’ll get him back.
“There’s a lot of Championship teams in England that have contacted me asking about him.
“Obviously I’ve said he’s been terrible! There’s a lot of teams that I know have been watching him and want to take him, so that’s where we are at the moment.
“We bring these guys in, give them a platform and try to progress them.
“Then if they do well, they move on again. Yes, we’d love to do it but I just don’t see it happening.”
Neilson admits not even the lure of European football until Christmas could be enough to see Everton sanction another loan move to Hearts.
Speaking to the Scarves Around The Funnel podcast, hje added: “I know we have that (European football) but what they (Championship teams) have is finances.
“To Everton’s credit, we just made a small contribution to his wage. “When he goes to the Championship, someone can pay a much larger contribution or all of his salary. That’s what will happen to be honest with you.”