SELL-ON CLAUSE IS PARTING GIFT FROM PATERSON

IF losing Callum Paterson to Cardiff City seemed an unlikely source of glee down Gorgie way yesterday, there were plenty of reasons for his exit to be considered among the best of bulletins. Goodness knows Hearts fans could use some positive news, and receiving a compensation fee of £400,000 for a player whose contract had expired — plus a guaranteed cut of any future transfer — was no cause for complaint. Even setting aside the cash coming into a club which is straining to meet the rising costs of their stadium revamp, there surely won’t be a Jambo who begrudges Paterson his big move. That certainly applies to fans who were there on that December night when the Scotland international suffered the most cruel of knee injuries, collapsing in front of the main stand and biting his knuckle not just in pain but anguish. Just days away from a £1million transfer to Derby County, he saw his dream ended in one snap of a cruciate ligament. It’s a mark of Paterson’s potential that, despite still being a few months short of a full recovery, Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock should be willing to pay a development fee to Hearts and stump up for a three-year contract. It’s also a positive reflection on Paterson that he should be the one to insist on a sell-on fee being written into the deal. ‘I’m delighted and buzzing to be part of this big club,’ said the 22-year-old yesterday. ‘I can’t wait to get prepared for the new season. ‘It’s nice and early, so I’ve got a lot of time to bed in, get to know my way around the area and introduce myself. It’s great timing and I’m happy to be here. ‘I would also like to thank Hearts and the fans for six memorable years. ‘I’ve been with the club through the ups and downs and had some amazing times there — and made some really good friendships that will last a lifetime. I also wish the club all the best in the future. I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.’ A product of Tynecastle Boys Club, Paterson signed for Hearts in 2010 — and quickly emerged as a player of power, pace, skill and versatility, playing everywhere from defence to wing to centre-forward as the club went through a number of crises. A Championship title winner, he played a huge part in Hearts returning to the top flight after relegation and administration, earning five Scotland caps along the way. ‘I like Callum. I just got a feeling about him when I met him and I’m delighted to get him,’ said his new boss Warnock. ‘It’s the right time for the player and the club — and they’ve got a sell-on. ‘I’m pleased because it’s a good club, Hearts. We wanted to do the right thing by them.’