Neilson delighted to secure ball-playing defender Popescu

Hearts have confirmed the signing of Mihai Popescu but the Romanian defender will miss the club’ s first official friendly of the season when they host East Fife this evening.

Popescu, pictured, who has joined on a free transfer from Din a mo Bucharest, must self-isolate for two weeks due to Covid 19 rules. Manager

Robbie Neilson outlined his delight at securing the former St Mirren centre-back on a two-year contract.

His arrival will help his new club compensate for injuries to defenders John S out tar and Chris tophe Berr a, who are out with Achilles and calf issues respectively.

“I’m delighted to get him in. It’s an area we’ve needed to cover with the injuries to John Souttar and Christophe Berra so I’m pleased we’ve managed to bring Mihai in,” said Neilson.

“I think he’ll do well here. I know him from when he played at St Mirren and he’s got Premiership experience. He was really keen to join us because he enjoyed his time in Scotland and was looking to get back.

“He’ll do well in the Championship. He can take the ball out from the back, which is key for us because we’re expecting to have a lot of possession.”

After bounce matches against Sheffield United, St Mirren and Burnley, Hearts will welcome League 1 East Fife to Tynecastle tonight.

The Gorgie club will play further friendlies against Falkirk on Tuesday and Partick Thistle a week on Saturday.