ROWLESREADY TO BE STOKED UP BY ROBBIE
HEARTS manager Robbie Neilson admits fans are unlikely to see new signing Kye Rowles in action until Saturday’s clash with Stoke.
The Australian finally arrived in Edinburgh last Friday after a delay in obtaining his visa and was an unused substitute in the weekend’s 2-2 friendly draw with Crawley Town.
Neilson does not expect the Socceroos defender to feature in tomorrow’s clash at Preston as the player builds up his fitness following a short break.
However, this weekend’s visit of Stoke, which also doubles as Gary Locke’s testimonial, has been pencilled in for the 24-year-old.
Neilson said: “Kye flew into Manchester last Friday then drove up and got here about 6pm so there was no chance we were going to put him on against Crawley.
“We just wanted him to do a wee bit of work in the warm-up to get him going.
“He probably won’t feature against Preston, it will potentially be the Stoke game where we’ll get him involved.
“It’s been a while trying to get him here, the work behind the scenes is great.
“He’s here now and it’s a case of trying to get him as fit as we can.” Hearts, meanwhile, are continuing their pursuit of Scotland international Lawrence Shankland.
Amid reports that the club has agreed a six-figure fee with Belgian side Beerschot for the former Dundee United and Ayr striker, it is understood that talks are continuing behind the scenes in the hope of finalising the deal.
Shankland, 26, has two years left on his deal at Beerschot and Neilson is keen to bolster his options ahead of a campaign with at least eight European games.
Hearts, meanwhile, have confirmed the departure of midfielder Aaron McEneff to Australian top-flight club Perth Glory.
McEneff joined in February last year from Shamrock Rovers and made 36 appearances, scoring five goals.