HEARTS manager Robbie Neilson admits fans are unlikely to see new signing Kyle Rowles in action until Saturday’s clash with Stoke City.
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 North End as the player continues to build up his fitness behind the scenes 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’ll probably won’t feature on Wednesday, it will potentially be the Stoke City 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 United striker, it is understood that talks are continuing behind the scenes in the hope of finalising the deal.
Shankland, 26, has two years remaining on his deal at Beerschot and Neilson is keen to bolster his options ahead of a campaign that involves 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 2021 from Shamrock Rovers and made 36 appearances, scoring five goals.
Neilson added: “Aaron indicated his desire to move on if he couldn’t get more game time.
“We have a compact squad but it’s laden with quality and nobody is guaranteed playing time, so when this transfer came up it made sense for everyone.
“Aaron has played an important part in our journey back to the top of Scottish football and he goes to Australia with our best wishes.”
Sporting director Joe Savage said: “In financial terms, the transfer is a good deal for the club and I’ve no doubt that Aaron will make an impact in the A-League.
“He’s a great lad who has made some important contributions on the pitch over the past 18 months, so we thank him for all of his efforts at Hearts and we wish him and his young family all of the best in Australia.”
