Paul Heffernan and Kyle Hutton join Queen of the South

Paul Heffernan scored for Dundee against Dundee United last season.

Queen of the South have signed striker Paul Heffernan and midfielder Kyle Hutton on short-term contracts.

Former Kilmarnock and Hibernian forward Heffernan and ex-Rangers player Hutton agreed deals until January 2016.

Hutton, 24, made 10 appearances for Rangers in the Championship last season and previously had spells on loan at Dunfermline and Partick Thistle.

Heffernan, 33, spent the second half of the 2014-15 campaign with Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

The Irishman scored for the Dens Park side in their first derby win over Dundee United in over a decade.

Queens manager James Fowler has had to increase his options following the departures of key players like Gavin Reilly, Kevin Holt and Ian McShane.

The Doonhamers won their opening Championship game of the season against Alloa and visit Livingston on Saturday.

Former Rangers midfielder Kyle Hutton spent five years at Ibrox