HEARTS SIGN STRUNA TO REPLACE CALLUM PATERSON

Hearts FC have moved to replace injured player [knee ligament damage] Callum Paterson and bolster their defensive options by signing Slovenia international Andraz Struna.


Struna, 27, would feature for Hearts until the end of the current campaign, according to reports.

The right back joined Hearts from Greek club PAS Giannina, and he says he is optimistic about the style of play at the club.

“I’m an attacking full back and I think I’ll be a good fit based on the ideas presented to me by the club and the head coach. I like possession football and I understand that is the way Hearts want to play, so I’m optimistic,” the Slovenian was quoted saying.

Another reason the player was signed was because Coach Ian Cathro wanted an extra hand after Igor Rossi left the club to move to the Middle East to play for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Faisaly Harmah. Alim Ozturk also moved to Turkey to play for Boluspor. Faycal Rherras was out in Africa as he was international duty for Morocco but he is expected back as they were knocked out early.

Paterson, 22, would be out of contract this summer. It is unknown if the club would renew his deal but the Scotland captain has scored 10 goals in 24 appearances for the club this term. He has undergone surgery for the knee injury he picked up in the 4-0 rout of Kilmarnock late last year.

Hearts have undergone a lot of changes and are likely to face more changes this year.