Livingston are in pole position to land 21-year-old midfielder Aidan Denholm from Hearts despite Scottish Premiership rivals Motherwell also being keen along with Championship pair Ross County and St Johnstone. (Daily Record), external
Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSSummer signing Oisin McEntee is enjoying settling into life at Hearts and is happy to serve head coach Derek McInnes wherever he sees fit.
McEntee, who joined from Walsall has been deployed at right-back in Hearts' unbeaten start to their Premier Sports group stage, despite it not being his "most natural" position.
He impressed in Saturday's 4-0 win against Stirling Albion as the Tynecastle side attempt to create "good habits".
"It was always going to be a difficult game," McEntee said of their meeting with the Binos.
"We came into it prepared right and we showed them a lot of respect coming in with our preparation and it's just good to get a 4-0 win.
"But we're a little bit frustrated. We need to improve on a lot of things, but still, you can't complain about winning 4-0.
"We're trying to get into good habits and keeping clean sheets is a really good habit, as is winning games. So we just need to keep switched on and keep preparing properly for these games.
"I'll play wherever the gaffer puts me.
"It's enjoyable and it's been a good introduction into the side. I'm just trying my best to get a place in the team and wherever it may be.
"It's not my most natural position, but wherever the gaffer wants me to play, I just need to improve on it - I'm trying my best."
Hearts' 21-year-old midfielder, Aidan Denholm, is wanted by Livingston, Motherwell and Ross County. (Joel Sked on X), external
Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSAlexandros Kyziridis scored and provided an assist on his Hearts debut
Head coach Derek McInnes was encouraged by the goalscoring debut of winger Alexandros Kyziridis in Hearts' four-goal Premier Sports Cup win at Stirling.
The 24-year-old Greek player set up Craig Halkett's headed opener and scored himself following Alan Forrest's cross.
"You see what he is, I think he's capable of moments when he holds his width and he's really incisive and makes his mind up early," McInnes told Premier Sports.
"Like a lot of wide players, decision-making is where they are judged. I thought he did a lot of good, considering it was his first game.
"He was in the right area to score a goal. He should have been in the right area before that to score another goal. But he did some good things."
Fellow summer signing Claudio Braga scored a diving header before Kyziridis put Hearts three up by the break, but McInnes was expecting more in the second half before Halkett headed in his second goal late on.
"We played some good stuff in the first half, but I'd like us to be better than that for long spells," added McInnes, whose side all but sealed their place in the second round.
We asked for your views after Derek McInnes' Hearts cruised to another Premier Sports Cup victory at lower-league Stirling.
Here's what some of you said:
Norrie: Went to the game, fantastic following with three stands full of Hearts fans. We once again started really well and if it hadn't been for a couple of smart saves from their keeper in the first half this could have been a much greater scoreline. Three games now without VAR and what a difference to the flow of the game and the mood of the crowd. Bin VAR and give us our game back!
Stuart: Hearts impressed first half but were flat after the break. Oisin McEntee was pushed wide right after the break which left Cammy Devlin to shore up midfield on his own, and consequently the defence struggled to find the right ball forward. Hearts looked good on the flanks but lacked a spark in the middle up front, although Claudio Braga looked lively as did James Wilson when he came on.
Jim: I still feel McInnes is trying to sort out his best XI before the league season gets under way. There have been a lot of new signings and this cup section against weaker teams gives him the time to sort out his strongest team, his best system, but also builds a bit of confidence - successive wins always do that. The real test will come when Aberdeen visit Tynecastle at the beginning of August. I think we have a very good chance of challenging for the league and the cups, but do the players believe that and are they hungry enough to seriously challenge the Old Firm?
Alfo: Cracking start to the season from the JTs. Every player that comes on to the pitch knows they've a point to prove if they want to keep the jersey. Unlike last year, can't see us carrying any deadwood as someone else will step up and once the other wingers arrive we're in for a great season.
Chris: It's easy to look at these games as easy against lower division teams, but then being a Jambo I've watched us struggle for years against these types of teams. The first half was just dominance of speed, passing and movement and we could have been six up going into half time. The second half levels dropped but remained professional. It all depends if we can keep this level going up against a very solid Aberdeen side in a few weeks.
Image source, SNSLawrence Shankland staying at Hearts is "one of the best things" for fellow striker James Wilson says he could have wished for.
Wilson, 18, admits he was "buzzing" when "one of the best players in Scotland" ended a season of speculation by signing a new three-year deal with the Tynecastle club earlier this month.
"I learn so much from him day to day," Wilson said.
"I ask him so many questions. Getting to play with him, he's one of the best players in Scotland. So getting to play with him is one of the best things that I could have.
"Yes, I was buzzing when he decided to stay."
Shankland marked his return with a pair of late penalties in last Saturday's Premier Sports Cup group stage opener against Dunfermline, while Wilson opened the scoring.
Fellow frontman Claudio Braga, who made his debut at Tynecastle, followed that with his first goal in Tuesday night's win at Hamilton after teeing up Wilson for his second goal in as many games.
"He's a good figure in the group, he's enthusiastic, he really enjoys being here," Wilson said of his Portuguese team-mate.
"I'm looking forward to playing with him more and he got the assist from me on Tuesday, so I was really happy for that.
"It's a good confidence booster for us. As a striker, you can play well, but if you don't score a goal, you're a bit disappointed.
"Whereas on the flip side, I didn't think I played very well on Tuesday, but I came away with a goal and I'm quite happy. That's just the life of a striker. You have to deal with that."
Image source, SNSTwo wins, eight goals scored and just one conceded. It has been a smooth start to Derek McInnes' reign and the Hearts boss is determined to keep the momentum rolling.
Hearts travel to Stirling Albion on Saturday seeking a third straight victory in Group E of the Premier Sports Cup.
Having opened with a 4-1 dispatching of Dunfermline at Tynecastle, McInnes' first away assignment was a 4-0 stroll at Hamilton on Tuesday night.
Sizing up their next task, McInnes said: "These games away from home can always be a bit trickier, but if your approach is right and if we can mirror a lot of what we've had in the last couple of games, then hopefully we can get a similar outcome.
"We want to try and be as polished and as clean as we can through the League Cup stages.
"Again, we just try and impose ourselves on the game. Whatever team we're playing, whatever shape we're up against, try and impose ourselves on that and try and make sure we carry a goal threat.
"The clean sheet against Hamilton was very important for us. We want to try and get more of that in the upcoming games, including Saturday."
McInnes is thrilled by the backing his team have received from the stands so far and says a strong connection with the fanbase is key to restoring Hearts' fortunes.
"It's important we try and get a winning Hearts team often this season, because when the fans are with the team and there's that connection, then it's clearly going to help matters," he added.
"They need to see a Hearts team willing to play properly. They need to see a Hearts team willing to run hard for them. A Hearts team always try to win the game."
We asked for your thoughts after Hearts continued their perfect start to the Premier Sports Cup campaign with a 4-0 win over Hamilton Academical.
Here's what you had to say:
John: I was at Broadwood, and actually thought that Accies played well, against a decent Hearts side who showed a touch of class at the business end. I think Hearts can pose a challenge to the big two this year, and Accies can bounce back to the Championship.
Alfo: We'll have much tougher tests than this but we cruised through the game with another four goals scored. All our forwards carry a threat and are up for it but Claudio Braga's exuberant playing style is infectious, can't wait to see us when we've gelled as unit.
Chris: It's hard to tell much at this stage, the competition isn't great but what I do know is we wouldn't be playing this well under Critchley. The energy is good, the time is taking shape and the morale seems high - baby steps but eight goals in two games is fantastic.
Image source, SNSHead coach Derek McInnes hailed a "magnificent" Hearts debut from Stuart Findlay in Tuesday's 4-0 League Cup group win over Hamilton at Broadwood.
The centre-back, who has been brought to Tynecastle this summer after playing under McInnes at Kilmarnock, scored the opener from a corner.
There were further strikes from Elton Kabangu, James Wilson and Claudio Braga, with the Portuguese attacker also getting goal his first for the Gorgie side.
But McInnes singled out Findlay for praise, telling BBC Scotland: "Great debut for him. I thought he was magnificent. He strolled it all game, to be honest."
Meanwhile, Findlay was delighted to get on the scoresheet and told Hearts' official X account: "I went the full season last year without getting one, so to open my account after five minutes was a nice touch.
"We put a good bit of work into set-plays this week, I knew my job was to try to get around that back area and when we've got Blair Spittal on the park, he's going to deliver the ball, he's going to give you that service.
"I was just lucky enough that it landed on my head and was able to put it away."
Image source, SNSRobbie Neilson (left) and Lee Johnson (right) were team-mates at Hearts
Who had Lee Johnson and Robbie Neilson working together in Belgium on their 2025 bingo card?
Former Hibs boss Johnson is now head coach of Belgian second-tier side Lommel, part of the City Football Group, and ex-Hearts manager Neilson has joined his staff.
Earlier this summer, Neilson expressed interest in the vacant roles at Dundee and Motherwell before both Scottish Premiership clubs appointed new managers.
The former Hearts right-back was sacked by Tampa Bay Rowdies in April.
Johnson, meanwhile, had a short stint at Fleetwood following his Hibs exit and was appointed Lommel boss in March.
Image source, SNSClaudio Braga says only a win will do for Hearts as they look to follow up Saturday's League Cup group victory over Dunfermline with three points at Hamilton.
The Tynecastle side started head coach Derek McInnes' competitive reign with a 4-1 triumph at the weekend, and they will be looking for a similar outcome on Tuesday.
Third-tier Hamilton are the opposition at Broadwood and summer signing Braga, who started in Saturday's win, is calling for Hearts to maintain their focus.
"The season has started now, and we've got to win, so for us it's very important we keep focused on the next game," the forward told Hearts TV.
"The Dunfermline game has gone already, we are looking forward to [the Hamilton] game now and to get the win, that's the only thing we need.
"[The League Cup] is silverware the club wants to put their hands on, so we're going to do everything we can to win every game."
There is concrete interest in Hearts midfielder Aidan Denholm, 21, and goalkeeper Harry Stone, 23, while defender Adam Forrester, 20, could also head out on loan. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSHead coach Derek McInnes has highlighted the importance of utilising his Hearts squad in the infancy of his Tynecastle tenure.
The Gorgie side play four times in the space of 12 days, with a trip to face Hamilton at Broadwood in the League Cup next up amid a hectic early-season schedule.
McInnes started his competitive reign at Hearts on Saturday with a 4-1 home victory over Neil Lennon's Dunfermline.
The former Aberdeen and Kilmarnock boss hinted there could be changes to the team for Tuesday's meeting with third-tier Hamilton, but he is striving for a similar outcome.
"We're going to have to utilise the squad, clearly," McInnes told Hearts TV.
"It'll be a tough game as most cup games are, but if we approach it in the right manner, do a lot of what we did right against Dunfermline, hopefully we can have the same outcome.
"We'll see how everybody's fixed in terms of the recovery. It'll not be a completely new team, but there'll be certain areas we can look to freshen up.
"I think you've got to try and utilise that squad. But whatever Hearts team is put out, it'll be a strong team and we're there to go and try to win the game."
Image source, SNSWe asked you for your view following Hearts' win against Dunfermline in Derek McInnes' first game in charge.
Here's what some of you said:
Stuv: McInnes won't be happy with that performance and Hearts fans most certainly aren't either. However, first game won and I expect to see more new signings blooded as the season progresses.
Alexander: Good win for Hearts to kick the season off. This could of been - and nearly was - tricky. Football played by Hearts was dull, though. We play like that regularly and this will be a long, boring season.
Raymond: Pretty dominant display by Hearts and should have been more clinical in all honesty.
Colin: Solid start, hopefully this is a sign of things to come. Looked bright and passed the ball around, massive improvement from Critchley's shambolic tactics and shape. Time will tell but looking good for future.
Steve: Still confident with McInnes, but same old Hearts! Loads of possession but created little. Devlin and Beni, so slow and lack creativity. We need pace and creativity in midfield.
We can't keep a clean sheet against lower class opposition, Premiership sides will punish us.
Michael: First competitive game of the season so we were always going to be rusty with a new management team as well as some new players, so to win 4-1 is pleasing, as is our two strikers getting off the mark with goals and a peach from Kingsley at the end.
Something to build on for sure and think we're in for an exciting season.
Chesser: A bit of a slog and a similar malaise to last season. No spark from midfield whatsoever. Baningame and Devlin frustratingly cautious. Why was McEntee played at full back when we had a right-sided full back on the bench? Why was Forrest playing when we'd signed a new winger and had him on the bench? Why do we continue with the tactic of having everyone back for opposition corners? Pleased to win but 4-1 flatters us. 2-1 more realistic.
Image source, SNSClaudio Braga's Hearts debut was like "accomplishing a dream" as the debutant waxed lyrical about the "crazy" Tynecastle atmosphere.
The Portuguese striker started out on the wing against Dunfermline Athletic, and despite it not being his preferred position, he still managed to show his skill.
"A win and even though it was not a full stadium, it was crazy atmosphere, it really good," the summer signing said of his debut.
"Kind of accomplishing a dream in a way to play in the stadium like this, with that many people, with these guys that have so much quality, so it was a great debut and I'm looking forward for the next game, to be honest.
"When I got to the pitch to start the game and I looked around and the stadium, it just looked bigger. The atmosphere and everything looked amazing, so I'm buzzing to be here.
"We won and that's the most important thing, there's a lot of things that we should work on and we're going to work on for sure.
"We just need to keep working on the best things and keep winning."
Image source, SNSHearts are in "decent nick" for their first game of the season against Dunfermline on Saturday, where "a lot is expected of us", says head coach Derek McInnes.
The Tynecastle club kick off their League Cup campaign at home to the "tough" second-tier side at the weekend after a positive pre-season, which ended with an 8-0 trouncing of East Kilbride earlier in the week.
"A lot of people are anticipating us just turning up and blowing Dunfermline away," the head coach said as he prepares for his first official game in charge.
"It's not as simple as that, especially at this stage of the season, when you're still trying to put your best squad together.
"But, I think we're in decent nick. I think we've had some decent performances with great effort from the players.
"There's no team - even the teams with all the money in the world - at the minute that are happy with their squads.
"Everybody's trying to add, trying to get better, trying to put their final squad together. Unfortunately, in this job, you've got to be a bit more patient.
"I'm happy with the squad we've got going into it. I think we're in some decent form.
"Fitness is good and we're looking forward to it, but it's a tough game. Ideally, Dunfermline might have been the last game in the group because they are the toughest team, but likewise for them with us."
The BBC's Scottish Football Podcast has Hearts in focus to preview the 2025-26 season for Derek McInnes' side.
Host Martin Dowden is joined by writer Joel Sked of the Hearts Standard and Scott McIntosh of the Scarves Around the Funnel podcast.
With Lawrence Shankland back to spearhead the attack, the competitive action starts on Saturday for McInnes' men as they host Dunfermline in their League Cup group opener.
Listen here and don't forget to subscribe to the Scottish Football Podcast on BBC Sounds.
