The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Mourinho’s praise helps Mitchell make decision
Jose Mourinho’s seal of approval for the Ladbrokes Premiership helped convince Demetri Mitchell to return to Hearts for a second spell.
The Manchester United left-back rejoined Hearts on loan this week after making 12 appearances in an injuryaffected spell earlier this year.
Mitchell said: “I spoke to the manager (Mourinho) and he said going back on loan to Hearts is not a bad thing to get more experience.
“He said it’s a good league and it’s the top division in the country, so why not?”
The 21-year-old first spent pre-season with United, going on tour to the United States.
“I played against the likes of Mo Salah, that was an eye-opener, and that’s the kind of games I like to see myself involved in in the future,” he said.
But he was eager to return to Tynecastle and could feature in Saturday’s game against St Mirren.
“I let Hearts know I would be interested to come back,” he said.
“I had a good time here last season.” Mitchell and former Dundee striker Craig Wighton are in the Jambos squad for the visit of the Buddies.
Arnaud Djoum played 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek but might be given until after the international break before his first-team return following a long-term Achilles problem.
New loan signing Ryan Edwards is unable to make his St Mirren debut against his parent club.
Livingston midfielder Craig Sibbald remains out of contention for the visit of Hibernian following hernia surgery.
Lee Miller suffered an impact injury against Motherwell in the Betfred Cup and manager Gary Holt is not sure when he will be back.