Other names in Tynecastle frame

JON DALY: The under-20s coach took caretaker charge for one game before Cathro arrived in December. Director of football Craig Levein spoke of a succession policy then but admitted Daly and fellow Tynecastle coaches, Andy Kirk and Liam Fox, were not ready. The 34-year-old began his role in January 2016 after his playing career ended and Hearts may decide it is still too soon.

STEVEN PRESSLEY: The former Hearts captain has been without a club for a year since leaving Fleetwood. The 43-year-old former Falkirk and Coventry boss has worked well with Levein in the past but does not seem the type to accept influence from above.

PAUL HARTLEY: Another former Tynecastle player, who has credited Levein with transforming his playing career. The 40-year-old was sacked as Dundee boss in April but had tasted success until then, even winning the manager of the month award in February.

PETER HOUSTON: At 59, Houston is near the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of age and experience to Cathro. But the Falkirk boss is a tried and trusted operator and long-time assistant to Levein, at Hearts, Leicester, Dundee United and Scotland. Later led United to the Scottish Cup in 2010 and has impressed again at Falkirk, getting to the 2015 Scottish Cup final and finishing runners-up in the Championship twice in succession.

GARY NAYSMITH: The 38-year-old remains a popular figure at the club where he launched his playing career and is now in his second management job at Queen of the South, although he has only been in Dumfries for eight months. The former Scotland and Everton left-back led East Fife to the League Two play-offs and title in his two full seasons in charge.