Heart of Midlothian

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Liam Boyce admitted his relief at finally being back fit ahead of Hearts opening the new Scottish Premiership season on Saturday lunchtime.

The 33-year-old has been out since December 2023 with a hamstring injury, having previously suffered an ACL injury that kept him out for almost the entire 2022-23 season.

"I’m feeling good, finally,” Boyce said. "I got through all of pre-season. In the off-season I just kept doing my own training with the sports scientist and physios to put myself in the best place.

"It was good to be able to attack pre-season and be ready to go.

When he has been fit, Boyce has been an important player for Hearts under both Robbie Neilson and Steven Naismith.

"I’m always confident in my ability," Boyce added. "I just need to focus more on my recovery after matches.

"When I got injured last season, I’d played about 10 games in a row. The first three or four games back I was feeling sluggish and not used to the pace of the game, but the most frustrating thing about getting injured again was that after I got a run of games I was starting to feel better, I was more involved with assists and scoring.

"You need a run of games to get that sharpness back after being out for so long. I just need to focus on staying on the pitch and being available to help my team-mates.”

Boyce also praised his skipper Lawrence Shankland for his attitude despite the alleged interest in him.

"Shanks just comes in as normal, he’s our captain and he leads by example. He’s not going to come in and say, ‘I want to go here or there’.

"He’s been brilliant with all the publicity going around, he’s just focused on scoring goals. That’s what he’s done the last two years and I’m sure it will continue this season.”

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While Celtic were unanimously predicted to end up as Premiership champions, our reporters had a harder time answering who would finish third. Some plumped for Aberdeen, while two voted for Hearts...

Alasdair Lamont, one of the men behind the commentary mic:

Provided they can deal with the twin challenges of European and domestic football early in the campaign, I see little to suggest Hearts will be usurped in third spot.

I’ll insert the Lawrence Shankland caveat here. If Hearts were to lose him before the window closes it could be a different story, given their reliance on him.

But, if Shankland stays, Hearts will be third.

Tom English, always paying attention and ready to comment:

Presuming Lawrence Shankland stays.

Even if he doesn't, I'd still probably go for Hearts.

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Andrew McKinlay spoke to Hearts TV today and discussed a number of talking points.

Here's some of his key points...

On Lawrence Shankland rumours: "It’s amazing that as we come up to play Rangers in our first game in the season, Lawrence is linked with a move to Rangers. And now he’s linked with a move to Celtic.

"It is still the case that we have had no offers, or any notes of enquiry, to do with Lawrence. Lawrence is very much a Hearts player and, as far as I am concerned, he will remain a Hearts player unless an appropriate offer comes in.

"Lawrence is very much part of our plans for the upcoming season and I hope it remains that way."

On Joe Savage's departure: "It was quite an emotional conversation. Joe just decided that at the end of last season that he wanted to leave on a high. He’s not moved anywhere else, he’s going to take some time out.

"I worked closely with Joe over that period and I wish him all the best with whatever it is he does next in the future.

"I’m currently looking at bringing someone else in to oversee things up at Oriam and will hope to give an update on that in early course."

On Liam Fox staying on as B Team manager: "I’m delighted that Liam [Fox] has chosen to say, it was well publicised that others were interested in him, but Liam was very keen to stay on this side of the city."

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Hearts have announced the appointment of former fan favourite Lee Wallace as under-18s assistant coach.

The 10-time Scotland international made 193 appearances for Hearts before joining Rangers in 2011 in their final year in the top flight before their demotion to the Third Division.

After 256 appearances, and a spell as captain, he moved to Queen's Park Rangers for the final three of his career.

After retiring in 2022, Wallace spent time coaching Hearts' under-16 age group as well as in the women's academy, but has now moved up to join David McNeil's side.

Academy director Andrew Webster, who played with Wallace when the left-back was breaking through, told club media: "Lee interviewed very well and along with his time already spent in the academy, was offered the full-time position.

"In the short period of time, himself and David [McNeil], along with Donald Park, have been working with the group, the younger under-18s have integrated seamlessly into the full-time environment and the older players are able to benefit form a very high level of coaching.

“I have no doubt all the group will benefit from Lee's passion and enthusiasm for developing young players and I am excited to see this over the coming months and years.”

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Steven Naismith opened up on two more potential Hearts signings before the end of the transfer window as he looks to strengthen his squad before the European campaign begins.

The Jambos have already made eight signings this summer but they could add more with former Dundee midfielder Malachi Boateng and Colombian left-back Andres Salazar.

"It’s at the end point," Naismith said about Boateng's seemingly imminent arrival. "There have been a couple of things that have dragged it on a bit but we hope to have a clear solution to that today before anything kicks off tomorrow.

Salazar would join James Penrice in Hearts' left-back department after the departure of Alex Cochrane to Birmingham City.

"It’s something we are working on," Naismith added. "I don’t have much more than that. As a player he is somebody that has really high potential. We are fortunate in the situation at his current club they restrict his minutes. We are going to benefit from that. The way the deal has been structured its a really good opportunity for us.

"When we lost Alex it was something we knew about but didn’t think we had a massive opportunity to get. But that seems to have changed and we are working hard to get it done."

Hearts start their campaign against Rangers on Saturday lunchtime, with Naismith going up against his former club. He is yet to beat them as a manager in seven attempts.

“It’s a big start," Naismith admitted. "I think it is a transition period for them. They have changed the manager mid-season and he has then had to do a lot of work over the summer.

"From having conversations with [Philippe Clement] he is someone who is passionate about it and knows about the job in hand.

"You can't get away from it, they are still a pretty good team who have players who are dangerous. Last season we got punished for our mistakes in games and that threat is still there.

"What I seen last season though was we compete in these games now. And we will look to probably pick up more points against Rangers than we did last season.

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Hearts head coach Steven Naismith has been speaking to the media ahead of his side's first league game of the new season versus Rangers at Tynecastle on Sunday.

Here are the key points:

• Expects this season to be tougher than the last campaign but insists club is "ready".

• Believes Rangers are in a "transitional period" but will punish his side if they do not cut out mistakes from last season's meetings with the Glasgow club.

• The club are still "working hard" on a loan deal for Atletico Nacional full-back Andres Salazar following Alex Cochrane's departure.

• Deal for Crystal Palace midfielder Malachi Boateng is close to completion and he hopes to have a "clear solution for that before anything kicks off tomorrow".

• Beni Baningime and Calem Nieuwenhof will miss Sunday's game.

Hearts are closing in on a loan move for 21-year-old Colombia defender Andres Salazar from Atletico Nacional. (Football Scotland), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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• This will be the seventh time that Heart of Midlothian have faced Rangers in the opening game of a league season; Hearts are unbeaten in the last three such occasions (W2 D1), most recently winning 2-1 to start the 2014-15 Championship campaign.

• Rangers are unbeaten in 15 meetings with Hearts in all competitions (W12 D3) since suffering back-to-back defeats to them in January/February 2020 under Steven Gerrard.

• Hearts have won on matchday one in each of the last three Scottish Premiership seasons, last failing to win their league opener in the top-flight in 2019-20, when they were ultimately relegated (lost 2-3 to Aberdeen).

• Rangers lost 0-1 to Kilmarnock on the opening day of last season’s Scottish Premiership. The Gers haven’t lost on matchday one in successive league seasons since 1977-78/1978-79.

• Heart of Midlothian didn’t lose any of their last 11 home league games of 2023-24 (W7 D4). Since the Scottish Premiership began in 2013, only from November 2017 to April 2018 (12) have they had a longer such unbeaten run in the division. The last side to beat Hearts at Tynecastle in the competition, though, were Rangers in December 2023 (0-1).

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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BBC Sport Scotland have been taking a look at the faces to look out for in the new Scottish Premiership season.

Here's who to keep an eye on at Tynecastle.

Hearts fans had a long wait for the arrival of pre-contract signings Blair Spittal and Yan Dhanda, two of the Premiership's most influential attacking midfielders last season with Motherwell and Ross County respectively.

However, it is Gerald Taylor who has perhaps created the biggest buzz during pre-season.

The 23-year-old looks a good bet to solve the problem right-back position after arriving on a season-long loan, with an option to buy, from Deportivo Saprissa via participation with Costa Rica at Copa America.

Read Clive's full piece here.

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Blair Spittal believes he is "ready to push onto bigger things" as he heads into his first league season at Hearts.

The ex-Motherwell midfielder signed a pre-contract with the Tynecastle club in March, having also enjoyed spells in the Scottish top-flight with Dundee United, Partick Thistle and Ross County.

"I said when I signed, the position I play you are judged by how much you create, your goals and assists," Spittal told Sky Sports.

"I managed to do that over the last couple of seasons. I feel as though this is a stage in my career where I'm ready to push onto bigger things. Hopefully better years are ahead of me."

The 28-year-old has featured prominently for Hearts in pre-season in a deeper midfield role - mainly due to injuries to Calem Nieuwenhof and Beni Baningime.

"It's been a tough pre-season, I've loved getting going," he added. "It's a massive club with massive expectations, but it's one that I feel that I'm ready for.

"It's an old cliche but I take each game as it comes. I just want to come here and establish myself. It's a team that are used to winning games and I'm under no illusions how difficult it will be to get in the side. Hopefully when I get my chance, I can take it."

Spittal was announced as a Hearts signing the same day as left-back James Penrice - a former team-mate at Partick Thistle.

"It's nice to come into a changing room where I know a few people from previous clubs that I've been at," Spittal added. "It makes that bedding in process easier. Pre-season is a good opportunity to get to know the rest of the boys. We had a good trip in Tenerife. It's a good changing room and the boys have been good with me so far."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland senior reporter

When the final whistle was blown at Tynecastle at the end of last season, few would have denied the players and management a few weeks' rest after such a campaign.

But like most things nowadays in football, if you stand still for even a short period of time then the tendency is you will be overtaken.

Alex Cochrane has moved on to English League One side Birmingham City, with the club suitably compensated for a player who has been a stalwart since arriving from Brighton three years ago.

Peter Haring, Toby Sibbick and Andy Halliday have also departed and there will likely be a few others before the window closes.

The arrivals of Yan Dhanda, Blair Spittal and James Penrice had been on the cards for some time, but when you add Daniel Oyegoke, Musa Drammeh and Gerald Taylor, the squad has a bloated look and it's understandable players will be moved on.

Joe Savage has also left his role as sporting director, with the club saying discussions are ongoing on how they move the football department forward.

The next few weeks and months will once again no doubt bring plenty of stories. Will Lawrence Shankland stay? Will Craig Gordon win back the number one jersey? Can Hearts make an impact in Europe? Will they bring a cup back to Tynecastle?

Steven Naismith in his first year in charge brought a calmness that was clearly needed, but following up a successful campaign can prove to be troublesome.

Therefore, a good start will once again be required. It kicks off again on Saturday with the visit of Rangers.

Head coach Steven Naismith does not intend picking a clear first-choice goalkeeper for Hearts this season as he looks to keep both Zander Clark and Craig Gordon happy. (Edinburgh Evening News, external - subscription required)

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

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James Penrice is braced for the challenge of stepping up and becoming a Hearts regular.

The left-back departed relegated Livingston at the end of last season following the expiry of his contract.

The 25-year-old, who started his career at Partick Thistle, will be tasked of filling the void left by defender Alex Cochrane, who left to join Birmingham this summer.

Hearts begin their Premiership season at home to Rangers on Saturday.

"It's a time in my career where I need to go and have these challenges," Penrice told Sky Sports, external.

"That's why I signed here, for the games that are coming up. They're big games, you need to perform and that's what I'm going to do.

"The last few months everyone around me would say I've been pretty annoying to deal with, just waiting for this move, but thankfully I'm here now."

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Hearts have not received any interest in striker Lawrence Shankland this summer, head coach Steven Naismith has confirmed.

Reports continue to suggest Rangers are keen on the free-scoring forward, who won the PFA Scotland player of the year award last season.

But Naismith has stressed there has been "no change" in regard to the 28-year-old's future.

"All these reports coming out, every avenue [they've] gone down," he said. "He's leaving, he's maybe leaving, he's on a list, he's not on a list.

"All that speculation just goes on. Some players deal with it, some can't. Lawrence last season [dealt with] it. He's consistently scored goals and been a leader."

In terms of incomings, Naismith also confirmed a new signing is imminent.

The Tynecastle side welcome Rangers in the Premiership's curtain-raiser on Saturday, and the Hearts boss is hopeful the fresh face will be available for that.

"We'll hopefully have one more in [on Wednesday or Thursday] and that will improve us," Naismith told Sky Sports, external.

"After that for us it's more about reacting to anything that happens. In football you can't plan for things that aren't expected."

Celtic are stepping up their pursuit of 28-year-old Heart of Midlothian striker Lawrence Shankland as an agreement with Norwich City over a return to Glasgow for Adam Idah continues to prove elusive. (HITC), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Relive a classic meeting between Hearts and Rangers from 2015, before the sides meet on the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership season.

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Hearts defender Lewis Neilson has joined fellow Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone on a season-long loan.

The Dundee United youth product has also signed a year's extension to his deal with his parent club, now running until 2026.

Neilson, who spent last term on loan at Championship side Partick Thistle, has struggled for game time at Tynecastle since joining from United in 2022.

Hearts boss Steven Naismith says the move to Perth will give the 21-year-old "the chance to take even bigger strides by playing consistently in the Premiership".

Meanwhile, Neilson says the decision to join St Johnstone "was a no-brainer" and he feels Craig Levein's "style of play is really going to help my game".

Saints manager Levein added: "Lewis is an exciting defensive prospect and I am sure he will help us over the course of the campaign."

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

After what has felt like an incredibly long summer break, Hearts return to competitive action on Saturday and there is palpable excitement in the Gorgie air.

While some of our domestic rivals have huffed and puffed their way through the League Cup group stages, we lost to Tottenham, Leyton Orient and Fleetwood Town in pre-season friendlies.

There has been some concern from elements of the fanbase, but I genuinely do not care about friendly results.

Seven new faces have arrived at Tynecastle this summer, and it’s fair to say the squad to face Rangers this Saturday will be stronger than the one that finished last season.

Steven Naismith looks to be building a squad to better deal with the rigours of European group-stage football and the demands of playing twice a week.

Alex Cochrane is the only first-team regular to depart, and James Penrice appears to be a ready-made replacement on the left-side of defence.

There’s one arrival in particular who has got Jambos intrigued - Costa Rican full-back Gerald Taylor. His performance against Spurs would suggest he has the potential to be our most exciting signing this season, with pace to burn and the ability to beat a man in forward areas.

Come Christmas time, I would like to see us be in the mix for third place and having had an improved European campaign, with the Scottish Cup to come in the January. We have Falkirk in the last 16 of the League Cup, but given our record in that competition, I’m not holding my breath on us ever winning it.

Predicted league finish: third – I reckon we will have just about enough to see off our competition in being 'best of the rest'. I reckon it may go down to the last game of the season though; Hibs and Aberdeen surely can’t be as poor this season as the previous two campaigns? You can’t discount Kilmarnock or St Mirren either.

Standout player will be: Lawrence Shankland – despite the noise and efforts from some to get Shankland plying his trade for Rangers before the end of transfer window, I think Shankland will see out his final season with us and will net around 25 goals again.

Game most looking forward to: Hibs (A) on Sunday 27 October. It is many Jambos’ favourite away day of the year, and I think this match will be a good barometer of how both team’s campaigns are shaping up.

Rangers are holding talks internally about a potential bid for 28-year-old Heart of Midlothian and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland. (Daily Record), external

Hearts are nearing a deal to sign 22-year-old defensive midfielder Malachi Boateng, who was on loan to Dundee last season, from Crystal Palace. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Having comfortably secured a third-placed finish last term, can Hearts aim higher this season or have they hit their ceiling?

By the end of the 2023-24 campaign, Steven Naismith's side were 12 points ahead of Kilmarnock in fourth but 17 behind Rangers in second.

With the aim of strengthening this summer, the Tynecastle club have been proactive in their transfer dealings by signing Premiership trio Yan Dhanda, Blair Spittal and James Penrice on pre-contract agreements.

Those additions have been complimented by the arrivals of Musa Drammeh, Daniel Oyegoke and Gerald Taylor, while talismanic striker Lawrence Shankland remains at the club despite continued speculation surrounding his future.

Not since the 2017-18 season have the Old Firm been separated come the end of a Scottish top-flight season, but The Athletic's Jordan Campbell feels Naismith's men will back themselves to prey on a potentially fragile Rangers.

Hearts welcome the Ibrox side to Tynecastle in the Premiership's curtain-raiser on Saturday.

"Hearts will look at Rangers being vulnerable," Campbell told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"They'll think if they can get a really good start then they might have a chance of breaking into the top two.

"They've built a really good squad in the last three or four years and used the Bosman market really well. They needed a bit more mobility and they've added that.

"The target has to be to try and challenge, but it's really difficult with the finances [between the Old Firm and the rest]."