HEARTS boss Ian Cathro admits he is on the hunt for a keeper to challenge number one Jack Hamilton – but has ruled out a move for Allan McGregor.
The Jambos boss has been linked with a swoop for the former Rangers stopper with reports suggesting the Scotland international was set for a Tynecastle switch if he could find a way out of the remaining 12 months on his Hull contract.
But now Cathro has poured cold water on those rumours – although he did confess he is looking to bring in another goalkeeper following 23-year-old Hamilton’s error-strewn end to last season.
Asked about McGregor, the Gorgie head coach replied: “I saw that was something that was written about. I don’t overly understand why, so I’m not going to allow that to be talked about any further.
“We have two goalkeepers who we are doing a lot of work with now. There may be some things we adjust into the new season.
“It is an area of the team where we will look in the market and see if we can find someone to help us.
“Whether we do that or don’t, I don’t know.
“But in Jack we already have a goalkeeper who has significantly more experience than goalkeepers tend to have at his age.
“He’s someone we fully intend on developing and supporting. I have no doubt he will be a future number one for this club.”
Cathro – who earlier completed the signing of Northern Ireland defender Michael Smith – has already made five signings this summer, with former Rangers hitman Kyle Lafferty the biggest arrival.
The beanpole striker is determined to grab a regular slot in Cathro’s line-up having endured a frustrating three-year stint at Norwich where he started just 22 club games.
But his new boss believes his inactivity could spur him on.
“Kyle is full of hunger to play and I’m excited about that,” he said. “I’m not worried about his lack of football recently and if that feeds into his hunger and motivation to play it could be an advantage.”
Cathro was also relieved to see his chairwoman Ann Budge reject two offers from Rangers for contract rebel Jamie Walker.
The Ibrox club fell well short of Hearts’ £1 million asking fee and now Cathro hopes he can extend the winger’s deal before it expires next summer.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here