Jambos move in for Greek internationalist
HEARTS are poised to sign the vastly-experienced Greek internationalist Alexandros Tziolis.
The 31-year-old defensive midfielder, whose previous clubs include Panathinaikos, APOEL, Werder Bremen and Monaco, will join on a short-term deal tomorrow until the end of the season.
The holder of 62 caps for his country, he was a member of the Greece squad at Euro 2008 also the 2010 and 2014 World Cup Finals.
He will move to Scotland under free agency, his contract with PAOK Thessaloniki having newly been terminated by the Greek Superleague outfit.
Nevertheless the capture of a man who represented Bremen (on loan from Panathinaikos) in the 2008-09 UEFA Cup Final, and has won club honours in both Greece and Cyprus, is a coup for Hearts.
It comes just days too after the audacious signing of Stirling Albion striker Dylan Bikey from under the noses of Hibs.
The 21-year-old Frenchman had been training with their city rivals and had been expected to commit to a longer stay at Easter Road.
Meanwhile, Aaron Hughes is looking forward to turning out at Celtic Park today.
He is a veteran of matches at venues such as the Nou Camp, Old Trafford, Anfield and the Emirates from his days at Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Fulham.
And the 103-times capped international admits this afternoon’s televised encounter in front of 60,000 supporters is just as exciting.
He said: “I still get the buzz going to places like Celtic Park, of course. It would be hard not to, with the sense of occasion and the atmosphere and playing in a big stadium.
“It is something I think every player looks forward to, regardless of where you have been in the game, what you’ve done and what stage your career is at.
“These are the games that are up there and they are the games that everyone looks forward to.
“At my age and the stage I’m at in my career, hopefully I can enjoy the experience because sometimes – with all the pressure, the excitement and the nature of the game – you don’t actually get the chance to enjoy being there.
“For me, I think I will enjoy it a little bit more than maybe I did when I was younger.
“I know that there may not be too many games like this left so I will try to enjoy it while I can.
“I guess it will be nice to go there and maybe during the warm-up have a quick look around and then I will get my mind back on the game.
“I’ve been to Celtic before but just for a pre-season friendly.”