Heart of Midlothian

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

Vladimir Romanov is a name that conjures up all sorts of memories and emotions for Hearts fans.

A new BBC Scotland podcast series, Czar of Hearts, chronicles the Russian-born Lithuainian's rise in the east and his dramatic introduction to Scottish football, when he swept into a packed annual meeting and saved the club's home stadium, Tynecastle, from being sold to property developers.

When former players, managers and others in his orbit were asked to sum him up in one word for this project, the question was met, more often than not, with some variation of: "Oh, that's a tricky question that."

Indeed, he is a hero to many fans while still held in complete contempt for the mess he left in his wake when he disappeared and fled to Moscow with Interpol hot on his heels.

"Sad", "entertaining" and "magical" were just a few of the answers offered up, with 2012 Scottish Cup winning manager Paulo Sergio adding: "Mysterious. He's a man that you look at him but you don't see anything."

Across nine episodes, the series will dive into Romanov's character, as described by long-time business partners from Lithuania; seek answers for some of the inspired and not-so-inspired footballing decisions he made or meddled in; and try to find where he is now from investigative reporters and those most likely to know.

An abandoned submarine on the outskirts of Moscow, or something less clandestine under Vladimir Putin's watchful eye?

The first three episodes of Romanov: Czar of Heart are now live on BBC Sounds or wherever you prefer to get your podcasts from.

Image source, SNS

Dundee could give a debut to Mexican midfielder Victor Lopez. Josh Mulligan returns, while Ziyad Larkeche, Jordan McGhee, Joe Shaughnessy, Antonio Portales and Charlie Reilly are also back in training and have a chance of being involved.

Billy Koumetio (ankle) and Scott Fraser (groin) are the only definite absentees.

Hearts could include recent signings Sander Kartum and Michael Steinwender while Calem Nieuwenhof is also in contention after being sidelined since last March with a hamstring problem.

Craig Halkett (hamstring) joins Frankie Kent (quad) and Stephen Kingsley (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

New arrival Michael Steinwender has set his sights on winning silverware with Hearts.

The 24-year-old Austrian defender moved to Tynecastle this month for an undisclosed fee from Swedish side Varnamo.

Steinwender, who is under contract until summer 2028, said: "My dream is to win a title with Hearts. I just want to win titles. So either it is the cup or the league - of course, the best would be both.

"I always set my dreams very high. But of course, we also need to look from game to game and get as much points as possible and then in the end we will see where we end up."

Steinwender could make his debut against Dundee on Saturday and added: "If the trainer calls me up, I'm ready.

"But I also came from Sweden where the season was ended in the end of November. I kept doing my programme, but you also need to know the other players, how they are acting on the field. You need to get to know everybody.

"It's only been, I think, two weeks now but I'm very excited to make my debut."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

New signings Michael Steinwender and Sander Kartum have already shown their quality in training and could make their Hearts debuts on Saturday despite a lack of recent action, says boss Neil Critchley.

Defender Steinwender and midfielder Kartum, who both played in Scandinavia prior to arriving in Gorgie, finished their seasons before Christmas and haven't played competitively in a few weeks.

"They're closer [to playing], that's a decision I have to make this afternoon," the head coach said before Saturday's trip to face Dundee. "They've trained all week, they look better every day.

"We've done some testing with them as well, physically, to see where they're at. It's now just getting that decision right or that balance right of, are they ready?

"Are they ready to start? Do they come in off the bench? And Michael's situation is probably different than Sander's, just because of positionally.

"I think they're going to make a big difference to us. I know we've not seen Michael and Sander yet, but you can see their quality in training.

"I'm confident that in time they'll prove they're good players for us. And we'll see what happens in the next 72 hours."

Steinwender looks more likely to play, given the hamstring injury suffered by Craig Halkett that will rule the former Livingston defender out for the foreseeable.

Critchley has more midfield options available, though, and Calem Nieuwenhof is seeking a return after 11 months out with injury.

"We had a game last week at the back here behind closed doors," Critchley said. "He played for 70 minutes and did very well so Calem is in contention, yes.

"Obviously he's got to be very careful because he's been out for so long. He's been training now for a number of weeks, full training.

"He's proved his fitness in that. Psychologically, because of how long he has been out, it's been important for him to gain more confidence in his body. When we push him and put that little bit of extra demand on his body, he's not going to break down."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Neil Critchley has been speaking to the media before his Hearts side travel to Dundee on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• Having added four new recruits, the head coach is happy with the transfer business so far but still "looking, still searching" to see who becomes available in the next few days before the deadline.

• He admitted there is "interest" in a couple of Hearts players but nothing concrete, although added the exit of Daniel Oyegoke progressed very quickly.

• Critchley has been impressed by Dundee and the form they have showed this year, particularly the back-to-back draws with the Old Firm.

• He adds: "That gives them a lift. They're in good form, confident. I believe they've got some players back from injury, so we know we're in for a really tough game."

• A decision on the involvement of new signings Michael Steinwender and Sander Kartum will be made today, but they are available for a debut.

• Calum Nieuwenhof, the Australian midfielder who has been out for 11 months with a hamstring injury, is also available for selection after coming through a bounce game in which "he played for 70 minutes and did very well".

Hearts would still like to add a creative, goalscoring forward after moves for Kilmarnock's Danny Armstrong and Tobol's Islam Chesnokov failed to progress, while left-sided defensive cover is also required. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

• Dundee have scored 37 goals from 25.5 expected goals in the Scottish Premiership this season, with their overperformance of 11.5 by far the biggest of any side in the competition (Celtic closest with 3.8).

• Only Rangers (4 wins, 14 points) picked up more wins and points in the Scottish Premiership in January than Hearts (3 wins, 10 points).

• Dundee have won two of their last three home games against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership (L1) – as many as their previous eight beforehand (W2 D1 L5).

• Hearts have won four of their last five Scottish Premiership games against Dundee (L1), scoring 12 goals in this time (2.4 per game).

• Since winning three successive home league games in November/December, Dundee are winless in their last four on home turf (D2 L2), although have drawn with the Scottish Premiership's top two sides in their last two such games (1-1 v Rangers, 3-3 v Celtic).

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Elton Kabangu will go from striker to supporter on Thursday night when he cheers on his parent club Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox.

The 26-year-old has made a positive early impression since arriving on loan at Hearts this month - scoring three goals in three appearances - and says Union SG are not to be underestimated.

The Belgians head to Ibrox seeking a fourth straight Europa League victory and are, like Rangers, already guaranteed a play-off spot.

"They won last Thursday [against Braga] and they're doing very well, qualifying for the next round," Kabangu told BBC Scotland.

"Rangers are a good team and also I watched the game against Man United, so it will be a good game. I will be there to watch.

"[Union play with] fast transitions, strikers that are hungry like me and a good defence.

"I don't want to say too much because I don't want to reveal the tactics. But Union like to play football, the coach has a good vision and it will be an open game.

"I think Union can win - but I think also Rangers can win."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

The narrow victory at home to Kilmarnock may not have been Hearts' best performance of the season, but it was another indication they are on an upward spiral.

Make no mistake, this was a game that earlier in the campaign points probably would have been dropped in. But along with an increase in confidence, the impact of the two new recruits who featured last weekend cannot be underestimated.

Jamie McCart popped up with a goal and only the narrowest of offside decisions denied the former St Johnstone centre-back a double.

Striker Elton Kabangu looks like he could soon be a fans' favourite. The Belgian, who has three goals in two starts, adds a different dimension to Hearts' play and although it is early days he is already linking up well with teenager James Wilson.

With both Michael Steinwender and Sander Kartum now in the building, the squad already looks stronger than it was at the start of the window.

And with a few days remaining before it closes on Monday night, there may yet be a few more deals in the offing.

Prior to that a trip to Dens Park awaits. It was there in August the troubles started to appear and after being three goals down before the break there was to be no way back. That defeat began an eight-game losing run that culminated in the sacking of Steven Naismith.

Neil Critchley has since revived Hearts and a win on Saturday would be another indication this Premiership campaign can be a success, with top six and even a European place serious targets to be aiming for.

Hearts and Hibernian are both keeping a close eye on Jamie McGrath's situation as Aberdeen continue to push for the 28-year-old midfielder to sign a new contract beyond the summer. (Record), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

With so many comings and goings at Tynecastle this month, it might make more sense to base training at Edinburgh Airport until the transfer window slams shut.

Defender Daniel Oyegoke is the latest departure and has reportedly made us a handsome profit after completing his transfer to Hellas Verona in Serie A.

For me, his best position appeared to be the right-sided defender in a back three and we don't play that under Neil Critchley, so it makes sense to move him on.

I know there's been revisionism of some Hearts fans' memories, who say we shouldn't be selling him so cheaply, rumoured to be in the region of £800,000.

Yet, less than a month ago, if you asked supporters who would you keep from this squad, barely a half a dozen names were mentioned and nobody would have said Oyegoke.

With four new signings in so far, you'd imagine some well-known faces will depart in the coming days. The likes of Barrie McKay and Yutaro Oda seem stick-on departures, but there may be some surprising names too as Critchley tries to trim a bloated squad that contains 30 players.

Last Saturday's win against Kilmarnock was massive in that we climbed from 11th place up to ninth, just four points off Motherwell in fifth.

Elton Kabangu opened the scoring and looks to be a good addition to the frontline already. I'm hoping he gets even better when he familiarises himself more with his team-mates and Scottish football.

Next up, we return to the scene of the crime (Dens Park), where Steven Naismith tinkered with our team badly and set off a chain of events that ultimately cost him his job.

It's not a 'must win' game for us, but important not to suffer defeat and lose momentum.

Zander Clark, 32, signed a new two-year Hearts contract despite losing his place to Scotland number one Craig Gordon, 42, because he remains fully motivated to re-establish himself as the club's first choice. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Jorge Grant, 31, has had no discussions with Hearts about extending his contract beyond this summer and the midfielder remains uncertain about his long-term future. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Jamie McCart: A strong showing at the back for the Hearts newbie and a goal bonus as well.

Elton Kabangu: Analytics must work if Hearts used them to sign Elton. Has hit the ground running and shown great energy and has given Hearts a potent extra dimension up front.

Watch Sportscene analysis of Hearts' 3-2 win against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

Heart of Midlothian left-back James Penrice earned comparisons to Scotland captain Andy Robertson - and has been tipped for a big move - by Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes after his performance against his side. (The Scotsman)

Former Hearts utility player Callum Paterson opened up on mental health struggles after his first league start in a year for Sheffield Wednesday. (Daily Record)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

Watch highlights of Hearts' 3-2 win against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Hearts' 3-2 win against Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said:

David: Although Kilmarnock will feel a bit unlucky to lose that match, it showed great character from Hearts to fight hard to hold on for the win. I thought Beni Baningime was immense again.

Jim: As with all teams it takes time for new signings to fit in but all the signs are excellent. The new signings are in the areas the team needed to address. James Wilson looks like a natural footballer and is well worth his place. Lawrence Shankland's return is a huge bonus as he showed with a number of deft touches. Tough programme ahead, the season end should be good.

Alan: What should have been a comfortable victory was anything but due to very poor defending and wasteful opportunities upfront. None the less a much needed win.

Stewart: Strange game. Deserved to be ahead at the break but very poor second half. It felt like Killie had better of us most of the half however we had the best chances and really should have scored five or six, but it would have flattered us. Brilliant saves from Craig Gordon in both halves.

William: Decent performance, but I'm still concerned about the defence, and I think that Gordon saved us again even after his mistake at their second goal. At last, we are out of the bottom two.

Duncan: Still a long way to go. The new signings will bring a much needed breath of fresh air. The league is so tight from second to 11th. I'm on board with the manager, for now!

Image source, SNS

• Kilmarnock have failed to win in their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer winless streak was from 3 November 2024 to 7 December 2024, a run of six games.

• Hearts are undefeated in their last five games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 16 December 2023 to 17 February 2024, a run of 10 games.

• Hearts have beaten Kilmarnock for the first time in the Premiership since 2 December 2023, a run of four games without a win.

• James Penrice has assisted three goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no Hearts player has more.

• Daniel Armstrong has assisted four goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Kilmarnock player.

Hearts held off a strong Kilmarnock fightback to win a five-goal thriller at Tynecastle Park and leapfrog Derek McInnes' side in the Scottish Premiership.

What did you make of that, Hearts fans? Was that a deserved victory for your side?

Who impressed you in the win over Kilmarnock? And has Neil Critchley finally turned a corner?

Let us know your thoughts, external.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Neil Critchley revealed Hearts are in talks with an unnamed club over the sale of defender Daniel Oyegoke.

The 22-year-old, who has featured at both right-back and centre-back this season, signed in the summer from Brentford and has made 26 appearances for Hearts, scoring one goal.

"We have had some interest in him," Critchley confirmed. "It's got as far as the club are in negotiations. That's all I can say about it right now, but that's why he's not involved.

"We'll see where that gets to in the 24 to 48 hours."

The defender, capped for England at under-20 level, has become a mainstay in the side since injury to right-back Gerald Taylor.

Upon potential interest from an Italian club, Critchley said: "Possibly. I won't go any further, I can't do. It would be wrong to discuss someone else's business.

"I'll just say that Dan's been really good for us, he's attracted some interest. That's the window.

"We went and got Sander [Kartum] and Michael [Steinwender] and those clubs didn't want to lose them, but everyone has a price and we'll see what happens."

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley told BBC Scotland: "I didn't think we were great all game, we looked a little bit off the pace. We were a bit reactive.

"We normally play with real intensity but our quality, our touch... we misjudged things a little. We were a little bit off it but we scored goals at the right time - and good goals too.

"We had a few chances to make it 4-2 and we didn't finish the game off. But it's three points, it means we're six unbeaten and it definitely helps with the belief in the group.

"There's a little more assurance about us now, a bit more confidence in being able to see those moments out. Craig [Gordon] has pulled off a really good save in the bottom corner, but other than that we've defended the penalty box really well.

"You always want your new signings to get off to a good start, particularly in front of the home supporters. Jamie has added a real presence to us at the back - aerial ability, calmness on the ball. He's been a commanding figure for us.

"Elton is now three in two and that's what he does - he gets inside the goalframe and it's no coincidence that the ball drops to him. It shows the supporters why we've brought them here."