Heart of Midlothian

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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."

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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."

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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."

While some clubs frantically chased signings on deadline day, Hearts were able to sit with their feet up.

Musa Drammeh departed Tynecastle but the club's incoming business had all been completed, with 33-year-old German goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow following record buy Ageu to become the 11th and final arrival in Derek McInnes' first window in charge.

Hearts fans, are you pleased with the club's transfer business? Does it leave the squad in good shape for the season ahead - or is McInnes light in certain positions?

Share your thoughts here.

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Forward Musa Drammeh has left Hearts to join Liga Portugal 2 side SCU Torreense on undisclosed terms.

The 23-year-old made 24 appearances for Hearts in his debut season last year, scoring three goals.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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It is likely to be a quiet transfer deadline day at Tynecastle, certainly in terms of incomings.

Hearts have concluded their business in terms of new recruits, but there is work ongoing to move one or two players out of the club.

Musa Drammeh looks like he is on his way to a Portugese outfit while there is interest in Kenneth Vargas from a Spanish second division club.

Watch highlights as Hearts score dramatic late winner against Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.

The Scottish transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Monday 1 September so there's still time for business to be done.

What do Hearts need to do before the window slams shut?

Have your say here

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Derek McInnes was delighted with the sense of unity he witnessed from his squad as they celebrated Alexandros Kyziridis' late winner away to Livingston on Saturday.

The Greek winger's stoppage-time strike saw Hearts come from behind to claim a 2-1 victory at Almondvale in front of 6300 travelling supporters, after Claudio Braga had cancelled out Lewis Smith's opener for the hosts.

The result means McInnes' side go into the international break unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership having won three of their opening four matches.

"10 points from 12 is always a strong start," said McInnes.

"I'm glad that we got to send the punters home happy because there's nothing worse than dropping points going into an international break as a manager because then you start a lot of soul searching.

"We've got a normal working week this week, we'll get a bounce game into the boys who need it. It pleased me no end the celebration when that goal went in. I turned around and saw the boys in the stands celebrating as if they're involved.

"Every player was here from a Hearts perspective, turning up off their own back, all the injured ones being here and cheering in the moment, so it was a really good dressing room at the end of the game.

"We don't get too high with the win but when you've got a crowd like that, it's hard not to be. We'll get back to work on Monday and we'll start to analyse a bit of that because there's plenty to look at."

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Hearts signing Ageu says he has expectations of playing in the English Premier League after making his debut in Saturday's victory over Livingston.

The midfielder joined from Portuguese side Santa Clara earlier this week for a record fee and came on in the second half of the 2-1 win over Livi.

The Brazilian was impressed by the 6000-plus Hearts fans who made the trip across the M8.

"They are incredible," the 23-year-old said.

"I am very impressed so when we scored the second goal, I was very happy.

"I look, I see the fans, so it's amazing. The noise, the passion, I feel this."

Although Ageu felt the move to Edinburgh was a "good opportunity", he is already thinking about his future.

"It was a very good opportunity so when I heard about it I didn't think twice," he added.

"So I only came here. But I have more expectations, more ambitions, so I feel that one day I will be going to the Premier League."

We asked for your views on Hearts' 2-1 victory away to Livingston to nudge them top of the Scottish Premiership.

Here's what you said...

Alex: Another half-time change sealed the win. Three wingers signed and didn't play from the start, I think Derek McInnes is struggling with the selections but getting it done.

Derek: Fairly disappointing first half, which seems to be the theme for our league games this season, but a very much inspired second half. We're going to suffer against better teams if McInnes can't sort this out but there are many positives to take from the match. Another three points, I can't really complain.

Jim: Excellent result, many teams will visit Livingston and come away pointless. We have to address our very slow starts to matches. The next match away to Rangers will answer quite a few questions for both clubs. Rangers will be hurting after their humiliation against Club Brugge and will want to make amends in front of their own fans. The signing of Bjoan Miovski is another threat to our unbeaten league run. If we play our strongest XI and play very positive football from the first whistle we have a good chance. Our new signings are showing a lot of promise and we look very good going forward but we still look shaky at the back.

Ross: A real statement of intent from Hearts and exactly what was needed - a creative midfielder who can make chances for Lawrence Shankland and also chip in with a few goals themselves. All that's needed now before the deadline is a solid goalkeeper.

Liam: Manager has to start getting the starting XI and the formation sorted. I get he doesn't yet fully trust the new boys to start matches but it's so blatantly obvious just how much they improve us when they come on. The positives can't be over looked though, the spirit and never say die attitude is fantastic to see. We 100% wouldn't have won that match under previous managers. We wouldn't have won at Dundee and wouldn't have come back to draw against Motherwell. This team has guts and I love it.

Malkie: We're still a work in progress. Great second half performance, albeit helped by a lucky break ahead of the second goal. The Jamestown Analytics signings look good.

Christopher: Not a great watch at all, it's little individual bits of skill that are keeping us alive in games. The sheer amount of space the opposition seem to have in order to pass around us is worrying and will be punished against a better team. Onwards we go.

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes wants one more player in before the transfer window closes on Monday night - and says there could be some departures. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Substitute Alexandros Kyziridis' dramatic injury-time winner secured Hearts three points against Livingston to nudge them top of the Scottish Premiership.

Read the full match report

Have your say on the game

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Hearts manager Derek McInnes: "I thought we were absolutely fine in the game in the first half.

"We set up to nullify Livingston's threat but one shot on goal and they scored. It was too simplistic that goal against us. We didn't play with enough purpose or invention in the first half.

"As soon as we went behind we looked a bit ordinary and a bit spooked.

"We started the second half like an absolute train and we never really let up. The game became stop start, I got fed up hearing the referee's whistle it seemed like every tackle was a foul.

"We missed that brilliant chance with Braga against the post but I felt like it was coming and Kyziridis came up with it."

Portuguese media is reporting that Hearts' record transfer fee for midfielder Ageu was £1.7m, with Santa Clara retaining a 30% sell-on clause. (SPFL Media Watch on X), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Livingston pair Adam Montgomery and Graham Carey are back in contention but Shane Blaney is set to miss out through injury.

On-loan Hearts midfielder Macaulay Tait is unable to face his parent club and longer-term absentees Cammy Kerr and Aidan Denholm are still out.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes is likely to be selecting from an unchanged squad, with goalkeepers Ryan Fulton (groin) and Craig Gordon (shoulder), as well as Jamie McCart (ankle), Kenneth Vargas (hip), Finlay Pollock (hamstring) and Christian Borchgrevink (thigh) all set to remain sidelined.

New record signing Ageu is awaiting work permit confirmation.

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Record signing Ageu says advice from Claudio Braga was key to his move to Hearts.

The 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder has become the Tynecastle club's record buy with a move from Portuguese side Santa Clara on a four-year deal.

Portuguese forward Braga joined Derek McInnes' side this summer and has already become a fans' favourite.

Ageu told Hearts TV: "I'm very happy to be here and I'm so excited for the new opportunity in Scotland so I can be my best on the pitch.

"Claudio is an amazing guy, I spoke with him two weeks before coming here. He helped me so much.

"He told me that league is so intense and aggressive. I like this mood. I am very happy and I hope that it will be an amazing season.

"I love the fans and their passion, for me it was the big point. It's amazing, the stadium is incredible, I can't wait."

Ageu impressed on loan at Alverca in Portugal's second tier last season, with seven goals and four assists, and aims to replicate that form at Tynecastle.

"I play box-to-box, I like attacking and defending and I like helping the team, I'm very excited to play," he added.

"Last season was very important to me, so I want to be able to repeat that scoring and the assists here."

We asked for your views after Hearts broke their transfer record to sign Brazlian midfielder Ageu.

Here are some of your comments:

Ross: A real statement of intent from Hearts and exactly what was needed - a creative midfielder who can make chances for Shankland and also chip in with a few goals themselves. All that's needed now before the deadline is a solid goalkeeper.

Colin: Another foreign player. I'm sure he's an excellent player but it concerns me that we have to keep going overseas for players. What's happening to all the kids that play football in Scotland that few seem to come through the ranks, with obvious exceptions?

Brian: Is this guy actually any good or is this purely a stats-driven purchase? Can he give us more than we've already got? Time will tell, but I'll enjoy the beat of the samba drums at the Edinburgh Maracana while it lasts.

Alfo: This is the acid test for Jamestown Analytics acquisitions. Paying the best part of £1m for a young player on a four-year deal should really show how effective our buy-develop-sell model can be, but more importantly so looking forward to what Ageu can do on the park this year. If he is the playmaker we've been waiting for, he'll add guile and creativity to the skill, energy and fight we've already demonstrated, and could be the catalyst for a really good season. So exciting on so many levels.

Ken: The more cynical among us would say anyone would be better for Hearts than Mirsad Beslija was! We'll have to wait and see if breaking the record was worth it though.

Kevo: I don't get hung up on fees, time will tell. If he succeeds as Claudio Braga has, it would be a massive uplift in that area of the pitch.

Chris: Do we need another midfielder to add to the 14 we have? Time will tell, but the pressing need is a quality goalkeeper and a right-back. We are not in Europe, we need to drop at least six fringe players or we are on course to make a record loss this season.

Steve: This could be promising as for years we've lacked pace and creativity in midfield. It appears Ageu has both. Oisin McEntee provides midfield protection, hoping they'll work well together. Cameron Devlin, Beni Baningime and Blair Spittal are too slow. Stephen Kingsley at right-back and we're looking pretty solid. The future is maroon.

Scott: It's exciting to see the likes of Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen all shelling out comparatively big fees for players. Of course, it's potentially a bigger risk for these clubs than it is for the Old Firm, but it's definitely a statement of intent. I'm all for the high risk, high reward strategy to at least try and get closer to the Glasgow pair. Plus, who doesn't want a bit of Brazilian flair lighting up the Scottish Premiership?!

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It's early days in Derek McInnes' Hearts tenure, but a chance to go top of the table this weekend has Gorgie buzzing.

Hearts make the short trip to Livingston on Saturday - with a 5,000-strong travelling support- and defender Stuart Findlay hopes they can banish their Premier Sports Cup disappointment by, temporarily at least, going top of the pile.

After a fast start, Hearts were left frustrated by a cup exit against St Mirren a fortnight ago and then a 3-3 draw at home to Motherwell.

"You get the disappointing result to go out the cup, and then being 3-0 down against Motherwell, it maybe paints a picture that things haven't been great the last couple of weeks," Findlay said.

"But when you look at the bigger picture, I think we've started the season really, really well.

"To be sitting where we are, with a chance to beat Livingston and go top of the league until the Old Firm game a day later, I think it's a good position to be in.

"When you look at where we were after 60 minutes last week, to then get out of the game with a point, the first thing I said in the changing room was 'if we win next week, this turns into a much bigger point. It turns out to be a very, very good point'.

"To be sitting on 10 points after four games would be absolutely magic. We know there's going to be a massive Hearts support going through. It's incredible, the tickets that they've sold.

"There's not many teams in the league that would be able to do that. I think it's going to create an absolutely incredible atmosphere for us as an away team, to probably have more fans than the home team. It's something that I've probably never experienced myself."

Findlay won his only Scotland cap to date in 2019 but has been tipped for a potential recall after a strong start to his time at Tynecastle.

"I think until a player retires, it's always an aspiration to play international football," he added. "I've had a taste of it in the past, it's a long time ago now.

"Of course it'd be nice to be in it but for me, the most important thing is making sure I play well for Hearts, play well for the manager who's had the faith to bring me here. That's my bread and butter just now. Anything that comes off the back of that would be a bonus."