Hearts began their preparations for their return to the Ladbrokes Premiership with a 2-0 victory over Bohemians in a friendly in Dublin on Wednesday evening.
It took two very late goals to secure the win with strikes from Callum Paterson in the 86th minute followed by a penalty from Soufian El Hassnaoui four minutes later.
Head Coach Robbie Neilson gave debuts to new signings Blazej Augustyn, Juanma and Gavin Reilly while trialist Mergim Bajraktari was also given a start.
Neilson replaced Hearts starting eleven at half-time in order to give most of the first team squad a run out.
Hearts first-half: Alexander, Smith, McGhee, Augustyn, Henderson, Nicholson, Gomis, Bajraktari, Oliver, Juanma, Reilly.
Hearts second-half:Â Hamilton, Paterson, McHattie, Trialist, Buaben, Anderson, Pallardo, Walker, King, Sow, El Hassnaoui.
As Hearts continue with their pre-season preparations, the Gorgie club have been linked with Nigerian defender Juwon Oshaniwa, who played in all of his country’s World Cup games in Brazil last summer.
News of this potential signing is expected later this week as is confirmation of the re-arranged date for Hearts pre-season friendly with Everton at Tynecastle, originally scheduled for 25 July. Police Scotland have asked Hearts to move the game to avoid it clashing with the Hibs-Rangers game in Edinburgh on the same day.
Hearts will advise supporters of the re-arranged date for this game as soon as an agreement is reached with Everton.
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
