Celtic have jumped to the front of the queue ahead of Hearts and plenty of other European clubs to land Kazakhstan winger Galymzhan Kenzhebek, the 22-year-old who plays for homeland club Yelimay Semey but is out of contract at the end of this year, according to reports in the former Soviet nation. (The Herald), external
Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSNicolas Raskin remains out of the Rangers squad despite boss Russell Martin insisting any issues between two men are resolved.
Canada defender Derek Cornelius, on loan from Marseille, and Youssef Chermiti, the 21-year-old Portuguese attacker who signed from Everton, both go into the squad.
Hearts pair Ageu (hamstring) and Frankie Kent (knee) are set to be sidelined until next month at least but new German goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow comes into contention.
Kenneth Vargas is fit again, while Jamie McCart, Craig Gordon and Christian Borchgrevink are all close to returning but unlikely to feature this weekend. Ryan Fulton (groin) and Finlay Pollock (hamstring) are still out.
Image source, Getty ImagesCentre-back Craig Halkett feels "fit and healthy" after a couple of injury-hit campaigns as Hearts look to continue their strong start to the season with victory against Rangers.
The 30-year-old returned to action towards the end of 2024, having only made 11 appearances in the 2023-24 season, before suffering a hamstring injury at the end of January.
Now back to fitness, Halkett has made Derek McInnes' starting XI on seven occasions this season, scoring two goals against Stirling Albion in the Premier Sports Cup group stage.
"I've personally been really happy with how I've been performing," Halkett said as he looked forward to Saturday's Premiership game against former club Rangers.
"I think you can always get better, but just to come in and play the majority of the games this season and my body's feeling good, I'm feeling fit and feeling healthy and I'm enjoying playing again, so it's been a good start.
"I'd probably say that I always thought I could get back there, but there definitely was a time where it was a struggle both physically and mentally. Thankfully, I kept my head down and worked hard.
"I've got myself into a good place now and I'm feeling fit and healthy, so I just need to keep going."
On the match at Ibrox, Halkett said: "I don't think it's a season-defining game. Obviously we're going to try and win the game but if we fall short and don't win, I don't think it's going to derail anything."
Image source, SNSFormer Hearts defender Ryan McGowan says Derek McInnes' side should be going to Ibrox on Saturday full of confidence and "smelling blood".
Hearts remain unbeaten under McInnes and are neck and neck with Premiership leaders Celtic, while Rangers are six points below after opening the league season with four draws.
Hearts are seeking a first win over Rangers in more than five years - and a first victory at Ibrox since 2014.
"Hearts have got off to a good start to the season, they're top of the league," said Livingstson's McGowan on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"They should be going into this game fully confident and smelling blood a little bit in terms of if they go there and win.
"That would put a real marker down in terms of trying to get second and trying to push the big two as much as they can.
"Not only would it enhance Hearts' chances, it would put a massive massive shockwave through Ibrox if they can go there and win.
"I'm not too sure that Russell Martin would survive it, but it puts a lot of pressure on the Rangers hierarchy to make a decision if Hearts go there at the weekend and win."
Hearts face competition for Galymzhan Kenzhebek should they decide to follow up their interest in the Kazakhstan winger, who plans to exit for a higher level when his contract with Yelimay Semey expires on 31 December, with Slovakian rivals Zilina and Slovan Bratislava and two Russian clubs having lodged transfer bids this summer and others in Austria, Belgium and Czechia also watching the 22-year-old. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Despite Nicolas Raskin being quoted publicly saying he had no intention of leaving Rangers during the summer transfer window, the 24-year-old Belgium midfielder will not be in the Scottish Premiership club's squad to face Hearts on Saturday following talks with head coach Russell Martin. (STV), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Greg Playfair
Fan writer
When Tony Bloom proclaimed just over a month ago Hearts would win a league title within the next 10 years, many Scottish football fans scoffed at his vision.
Since Bloom spoke to Jambos on 3 August, the fortunes of the Old Firm have really taken a hit and it begs the question - has he been to see a witch doctor?
With Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell urging fans to give under-pressure boss Russell Martin more time and Celtic supporters wanting their boardroom emptied quicker than players queue up for the exit door, the start to the season couldn't have worked out any better for supporters from the capital.
Now Hearts have a chance to lay down a marker at Ibrox this weekend.
I want Derek McInnes to be positive in his tactical approach at Ibrox. I think this game is tailor-made for a return to a back four.
The biggest weapon in McInnes' attacking arsenal could be the Rangers supporters. I get the idea of keeping it tight and frustrating Rangers, so that the crowd starts to go against the home team.
But the Rangers defence can be got at, and we have attacking and pacy players who will get us goals if they get the opportunity – as opposed to be camped behind the ball in a low block looking to counter.
It will be interesting to see who lines up in goals following the signing of German keeper Alexander Schwolow, who comes with an impressive pedigree and over 200 Bundesliga appearances. After some criticism of Zander Clark since the start of the campaign, I do think McInnes will give Schwolow his debut.
A lot of my Jambo-supporting mates feel they've seen the script for Saturday too many times – a struggling Rangers side, manager under pressure and can't buy a win. Then Hearts pitch up, and it turns out to be a routine victory for Rangers.
Saturday is the biggest test for McInnes as Hearts manager to date. And it will be fascinating to see if we see the version of the team Bloom believes us to be, or the one we've known in the past to struggle away to the Old Firm.
Image source, SNSRangers are unbeaten in 18 meetings with Hearts in all competitions (W14 D4); only from October 1998 to March 2004 have they ever had a longer run without defeat against the Tynecastle side (24).
Hearts are winless in 17 visits to Rangers in all competitions (D3 L14) since winning 2-1 in the Scottish Championship in August 2014. It's their longest ever winless run away to the Glasgow outfit.
Rangers have failed to win any of their past five league matches (D5), their longest winless run in the top flight since a sequence of six between October and December 2005 under Alex McLeish (D4 L2).
Hearts are unbeaten in eight league matches, winning seven of those (D1) and scoring 2+ goals in each of their past four. It is the club's longest unbeaten run in the competition since going 10 without defeat between December 2023 and February 2024.
Hearts' Harry Milne has won 37 duels in the Scottish Premiership this season, the most of any player in the competition, while only team-mate Cammy Devlin (19) has made more tackles than him this term (17).
Craig Halkett insists Heart of Midlothian will block out the talk of a Scottish Premiership title challenge and he is only focussed on ending their poor recent record against Rangers. (Daily Record)
Read the rest of Thursday's gossip.
Image source, Getty ImagesHearts head coach Derek McInnes hopes to "build on the good start" after being named Scottish Premiership manager of the month for August.
The former Kilmarnock manager has led Hearts to three wins and a draw in his first four league games, with the Tynecastle side currently second in the table, behind Celtic on goal difference.
McInnes now takes his side to Ibrox on Saturday, where Hearts will be seeking their first victory against Rangers since 2020.
"It's nice to win an award but it's really all about the team's performances," said McInnes.
"We've had a good start, and hopefully we can build on it, but any individual award is down to good staff and players, and the team doing well."
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSLawrence Shankland insists Hearts have to "enjoy" and "thrive" on the expectation to deliver when they travel to Ibrox to face Rangers this weekend.
The Tynecastle side sit behind Premiership leaders Celtic on goal difference after a positive start to the season and know victory in Glasgow would open a nine-point gap over Russell Martin's side after only five fixtures.
"Go and enjoy it, enjoy that bit of pressure on you that people are expecting you to go there and get a result," Shankland said.
"You need to enjoy that and thrive on that and I think where we are positivity wise, and the way we've started the season, we can go there and enjoy it. We'll look to go there and win the game."
Hearts have not won at Ibrox since 2014 when both sides were in the Scottish Championship, but came close two years ago when two injury-time goals overcame an early Shankland strike.
Despite Rangers drawing all four of their opening league fixtures, the Scotland striker doesn't believe it's a good time to face them.
"Not necessarily," Shankland said. "I think the important thing for us is we're in a good place and everything about us is positive.
"Going to Ibrox is a good opportunity. If you're going there in good form it's a good place to go, it's an enjoyable place to go and play football and a really good environment.
"When you go through to Glasgow you always need to be on your game to get a result, but I believe we're capable with the confidence we're playing with at the minute, the belief we've got.
"We're in a good position to go into any game."
Image source, SNSHearts' record away to Rangers has been described as "abhorrent" as they look to make a real statement at Ibrox in the Premiership this weekend.
The Tynecastle club have not beaten Rangers in 18 attempts since a 1-0 Scottish Cup victory at home in February 2020.
At Ibrox it only becomes worse as Hearts have only won three matches there this century, with their last victory coming 11 years ago in the Scottish Championship.
Currently second in the table with three wins and a draw, head coach Derek McInnes will be hoping his side can build on their strong start and compete with the Old Firm this season.
"It would be a real statement early on," Joel Sked of the Hearts Standard told the BBC's Scottish football podcast.
"Hearts' record at Ibrox is abhorrent. The start of 2020 was the last time Hearts beat Rangers full stop, so it would end a massive, long-awaited hoodoo.
"Last season Hearts struggled in big games or against teams they perceived as rivals. They've started this season well in that, beating Aberdeen, going away to Tannadice and winning.
"Beating Rangers would elevate the hopes and expectations of some fans this season and it could get a lot of people speaking."
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
With transfer deadline day now a distant memory Derek McInnes has assembled a squad that should be the envy of most managers in the Scottish Premiership.
From a Brazilian midfielder to a German goalkeeper, from an exciting Portugese striker to a pacy Greek winger, the Tynecastle dressing room is once again a cosmopolitan environment with a broad range of accents and languages.
And if the past few matches are anything to go by, the Tynecastle faithful are in for a real treat this season.
There is, however, still plenty to work on. In the four Premiership matches played so far Hearts have taken 10 points and are the top scorers with 10 goals and five different players finding the net.
But in conceding six and with just one clean sheet - against Aberdeen on the opening day - only Livingston have lost more goals (eight). Dundee, who many now feel are favourites for relegation, have lost only five in their four games.
The goalkeeping situation will be interesting in the next few weeks. Zander Clark has held the position since Craig Gordon suffered a neck problem in May.
The 42-year-old has recently returned to full training and with experienced German keeper Alexander Schwolow now in the door, competition for the jersey is fierce.
Hearts will need to be solid at the back this weekend when they travel along the M8 to take on a Rangers side who are striving to find their feet after a major turnover of players and management.
Many would say this is the perfect time for Hearts to end a dismal run against the Ibrox club, who are unbeaten in the past 18 meetings.
It was in the Scottish Cup in February 2020 when Oli Bozanic scored the only goal of the game to defeat Rangers at Tynecastle.
Only Craig Halkett from the squad that day remains at Hearts while James Tavernier is the sole Rangers survivor.
Image source, SNSHearts boss Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media before this weekend's trip to face Rangers.
Here are the key points:
Record signing Ageu will miss at least the next couple of games with a hamstring injury.
McInnes adds: "We just hope it's nothing too significant. We do feel he brings something a bit different. He will still have time to influence the team, but unfortunately it won't be immediate."
Hearts' haul of 10 points from 12 so far this season is "good shooting" but only a "strong start" that McInnes insists his side must maintain.
He adds: "I do think for us to meet the expectation, improvements in performance will need to come, but we'll work towards that."
The strength of Hearts' squad provides "good options" and gives McInnes "decisions to make" on team selection.
On whether it's a good time to face struggling Rangers at Ibrox: "Whether you're up against a team in brilliant, sparkling form, or whether they're struggling to get to where they need to get to, I just feel that we've got to expect a tough game. We've got to expect that we'll get nothing from the game unless we play well, and that's all I'm concentrating on."
The Hearts boss stresses the importance of his side having the "belief" that they can beat Rangers: "I expect us to be good enough to get a result, and it's important the players feel that. I do think when you go to Rangers you've got to have that personality and confidence and arrogance about you that you can get a result."
Despite Rangers' difficult start, McInnes says they have "good players" and the "significant investment" will in time pay "dividends".
McInnes knows expectations have been raised since Tony Bloom's investment in Hearts and "it would be nice if we could go and demonstrate" that they can compete with the Old Firm in Glasgow.
Newly-signed goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow is set to be in the squad this weekend and has "looked great since coming in".
Craig Gordon has stepped up his recovery from injury and been training at a "good level". Frankie Kent misses out on the Ibrox trip after twisting his knee.
Image source, SNSSt Johnstone have confirmed Hearts defender Adam Forrester has returned to the Perth club on loan as part of the two clubs' cooperation agreement.
Forrester initially moved to McDiarmid Park last month before being recalled by Hearts because of an injury to fellow right-back Christian Borchgrevink.
He could make his first appearance for Saints on Saturday at Raith Rovers.
"Adam Forrester will go back to St Johnstone now," McInnes told Hearts' website last week.
"We brought Adam back a couple of weeks ago, basically because we'd had a couple of inquiries about one or two of our defenders and we just decided to wait and let the window close before we make a decision on that.
"Christian Borchgrevink will hopefully be back in the next three weeks or so, three to four weeks. And we do think that it would be fair for Adam to go out now. And Adam's understanding all that."
Image source, SNSCeltic's deadline day signing Sebastian Tounekti
Former Hearts and Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson says Celtic's transfer window has turned what was a "one-horse race" in the Scottish Premiership to a two, or potentially even a three-horse race.
Neilson believes the pressure is on Celtic as their rivals have spent big in strengthening their squads while Brendan Rodgers' side have spent relatively low.
"Right through the transfer window Celtic were waiting to see whether they qualified for the Champions League before they went and spent, whether it was spending high or spending low," said Neilson on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"Obviously, they didn't make the Champions League group stages and it looks to me as if they're spending low.
"When you look at what's happened at the other side of the city, the money that's getting spent there, there's definitely pressure now getting put in on Celtic.
"At the start of the season, I said it was probably going to be a one-horse race. Now I think it's potentially a two, maybe even a three, if you look at what Hearts have done."
Image source, SNSCraig Gordon last made a senior Hearts appearance in early May
Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 42, made his comeback from a neck injury in Tuesday's 3-1 closed doors win over Dunfermline Athletic. (Sun), external
Meanwhile, Hearts full-back Adam Forrester is to return to St Johnstone on loan - and more exits could follow. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external
Image source, SNSRecord signing Ageu made his debut against Livingston at the weekend
Derek McInnes has sought to shoot down "this perception that we're paying millions of pounds" to bolster his Hearts squad.
The Tynecastle club made 11 signings this summer, including a club record fee paid to bring 23-year-old midfielder Ageu from Santa Clara in Portugal's top flight.
"Obviously, Ageu was a significant signing, but it comes into our structure wages-wise and it was a signing that the club deserve a lot of credit for, because it was a significant fee," head coach McInnes told his club website.
"We feel that that fee will be justified and we're going to show his quality with us. But every other signing has been relatively quite simple and not way above what the expectations would be here at the club."
McInnes said "we're pleased" with the additions they have been able to make to the squad with the help of their new Jamestown Analytics recruitment partners.
"They're clearly talented players," he said. "Their best years are ahead of them. But that's what we want. We want players who have got that next level in them and that potential."
McInnes is already seeing improvements.
"I think you see from the attacking side of it," he said. "We've scored 10 goals in four games in the league. I think we've scored numerous goals throughout the League Cup campaign. All the stats will show that we're getting more touches in the penalty box than any other team.
"There are a lot of late wins, players going right to the wire. That's always a good indication of a team who cares and get a lot of personality. And a lot of fitness as well about the team."
However, McInnes wants "more clean sheets".
We asked for your views on Hearts' business in the summer transfer window under Derek McInnes.
Here's what some of you said:
Graham: Overall a decent window for us, although it would have been good to get a solid right-back in. It'll be interesting to see if Zander Clark is dropped for Alexander Schwolow. Clark has had a shaky start to the season, but in his defence he's had a bit of a stop-start time at Hearts so it could be confidence. Only other concern is the size of the squad - would like to have seen a few players moved on, Kenneth Vargas being one.
John: We've done well to address every area of the park this summer. There is a concern that we're putting square pegs in round holes at right-back but that's the only worry for me. Our squad is massive right now which is fine from a fan's perspective but I'm sure it'll give the manager a headache!
Sam: The signings that McInnes has made seem to have had a big impact. I think it would be hard to find a Hearts fan that hasn't seen an improvement since Claudio Braga has arrived and he looks to be the standout so far. I think a right-back would have been handy prior to the window closing.
David: It looks like we've brought some talented players to the club but we can't realistically expect them to gel as a team overnight. The squad is vastly inflated and at least four players need to go as soon as possible, some windows are still open. For me it's Vargas, Calem Nieuwenhof, Sander Kartum and Alan Forrest. I still have a concern with the keeper situation. Let's hope Schwolow performs well and provides real competition in that area.
Steve: Very pleased in this transfer window, Braga, Alexandros Kyziridis, Stuart Findlay, Oisin McEntee and now Ageu, who looks top drawer. Just need to sort out our number one goalkeeper, use Stephen Kingsley at right-back in the interim and we should be in the top three at the end of the season. McInnes has a real goldmine of a squad that obviously needs trimmed down.
Johnny: Overall a very successful window, the squad is now massively overloaded in certain areas though. The club's almost trolling refusal to sign a right-back or versatile defender who can play left-back or right-back really needs to be studied. The crazy amount of midfielders we now have as well is a concern. Will be interesting to see if McInnes can keep everyone happy. Attacking wise it's the best we've looked for many many years. Positive window overall though.
Image source, Getty ImagesAlexander Schwollow made six appearances for Union Berlin last season
Hearts moved to sign goalkeeper Alexander Schwollow after hearing that Scotland number one Craig Gordon is taking longer to recover from injury than expected, head coach Derek McInnes has explained.
The 33-year-old German has signed a two-year contract after spending two seasons as back-up with Union Berlin and also faces immediate competition for a starting place at Tynecastle from Zander Clark, who is currently with the Scotland squad.
"Craig was taking a wee bit longer than we'd hoped," McInnes told his club website. "We're keen to get our younger goalkeepers some game time and then the injury to Ryan Fulton kind of accelerated all that.
"The club were good to back us on that and we are delighted that Alex is with us now and hopefully he can come in and do well.
"We've got Craig Gordon working himself back now and that's always pleasing to get somebody of his quality back onto the training pitch. Zander is away with Scotland just now as we know."
McInnes revealed that Hearts had decided "two or three weeks ago" to add a sixth goalkeeper to their senior ranks.
"He adds bags of experience, which obviously I think can be of real benefit in that position," McInnes said of Schwollow.
"He showed a real willingness to be here. He had other options, better financial options back home, such is his pedigree.
"We invited him to the Motherwell game and he really enjoyed what Tynecastle threw up. He was watching the previous games against Aberdeen and he said he liked that too."
Image source, SNSAdam Forrester had been recalled by Hearts within days of joining St Johnstone
Hearts right-back Adam Forrester will return to St Johnstone on loan, the Scottish Premiership club's head coach, Derek McInnes, has revealed.
The 20-year-old had moved to the Championship outfit as part of one of the new cooperation agreements that allow young players to move more easily between clubs outside of the transfer windows.
But he was recalled by Hearts within days of arriving at McDiarmid Park, and without playing a game, after an injury to summer signing Christian Borchgrevink.
"Adam Forrester will go back to St Johnstone now," McInnes told his club website. "We brought Adam back a couple of weeks ago, basically because we'd had a couple of inquiries about one or two of our defenders and we just decided to wait and let the window close before we make a decision on that.
"Christian Borchgrevink will hopefully be back in the next three weeks or so, three to four weeks. And we do think that it would be fair for Adam to go out now. And Adam's understanding all that."
Image source, SNSMusa Drammeh has moved to the Portuguese second tier
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has revealed that Musa Drammeh had been "longing for" a move to Portugal or Spain before the forward was sold on deadline day to Liga Portugal 2 club Torreense.
The 23-year-old had played 24 times since arriving from Spanish third-tier outfit Sevilla Atlético just a year ago, but half had come as a substitute.
"He had a few options prior to that, but he decided against that," McInnes told Hearts' website.
"There were a few other things bubbling along in the last few days. A few inquiries here and there and notes of interest. So we were expecting maybe one or two more to possibly go over the last couple of days.
"I think we've still got the option to maybe try and loan out a few players into the Championship. There's still a couple of windows open worldwide as well, even though our window is closed in the UK, so we'll look at that."
