Boyce has no desire to depart Jambos

Liam Boyce has admitted he has no intention of leaving Hearts just as they are about to attack an exciting European campaign.

The striker was recently linked with a move to both Aberdeen and Ipswich Town in the wake of scoring 16 goals for a team that finished third in the Premiership and reached the Scottish Cup final last season.

The Gorgie side are guaranteed football on the Continent until November in at least the Europa Conference League.

And Boyce is keen to play his part after helping Hearts get there in the first place.

“I’m happy to be here and I’ve always said I’m happy to go wherever I’m wanted or stay wherever I’m wanted,” said the Northern Ireland cap.

“I’m just happy to be at Hearts, a big club, we’re in Europe and that’s the way I take it.

“Last year we worked hard as a team and we were playing well, getting to cup finals and stuff and this is the reward for that.

“But I just concentrate on playing well and scoring goals and seeing what happens.”

Former Ross County marksman Boyce returned to Scottish football when he joined Hearts from Burton Albion in January 2020 and is entering the final year of his contract in Gorgie.

The 31-year-old admits he would be keen to extend his stay with Robbie Neilson’s side.

He added: “If the team wants me and I feel like I’m valued here then I’m happy to stay anywhere that’s available and if the club wants me to stay I’m more than happy to.”

Hearts will enter Europe in the Europa League play-off round and if they fail to make the group stages, they will drop into the Europa Conference League sections.

Neilson has been busy bolstering his squad for what will be a demanding season both domestically and in Europe.

Kyle Rowles, Alan Forrest, Jorge Grant and Lewis Neilson have all checked in, while Alex Cochrane has signed a permanent deal.