Kosovan winger signs Tynecastle contract

Daniel Stendel has secured his first signing as Hearts manager after completing a deal for Kosovan international winger Donis Avdijaj.

The 23-year-old has signed a sixmonth deal after leaving Turkish side Trabzonspor.

The German-born forward started his career at Schalke, where he had productive loans at Sturm Graz and Roda JC, helping the Austrian side reach the Champions League qualifiers.

Avdijaj returned to Holland to play for Willem II, scoring eight goals and setting up another six in 19 matches.

The wide man has experience of playing in the Champions League qualifiers and Europa League for several clubs and scored once in 18 appearances for Trabzonspor before his exit was agreed.

Avdijaj, who has scored twice in six internationals, told Hearts TV: “It was long days and now I am here where I want to be.

“The important thing to come to Hearts was the coach. I am happy to work with him and know him from before.

“Since I come here I have been happy because the people are very helpful.

“I don’t know this from every country. Austria I had it but I don’t experience this kind of people who are so happy and try to help everyone.”

● Hibernian have offloaded midfielder Josh Vela to Shrewsbury.

The 26-year-old has left on a free transfer after making 14 appearances for Hibs following a summer move from Bolton.

Vela had not featured since Paul Heckingbottom lost his job as Hibs head coach, although he had been struggling with a thigh injury of late.

His prospects had not been helped by the return of Stephane Omeonga to Easter Road.

The Belgian enjoyed a successful loan spell in Edinburgh after arriving a year ago before going back to his homeland in the summer.

But game time was limited at Cercle Brugge and parent club Genoa cut short the season-long deal and arranged for him to go to Serie B side Cosenza.

However, Hibs heard about his availability and sporting director Graeme Mathie managed to make his interest known just as the 23-year-old landed in Italy.

Omeonga said: “It was a week ago, everything happened so quickly.

“It was a crazy story. I got out of the plane and Graeme texted me: ‘Call me, Call me, Call me’. I called him and he told me they wanted me back.

“For a football player that’s the most important thing, to go to a place where you know you are wanted.

“I am hungry, I have a lot of things to prove to the people who worked so hard to get me back. This gives me more energy to do well on the pitch.

“This place just feels like home. I think it’s the trust they put in me.”