Hearts agree extended loan deal for Livingston's Ross Stewart

Both clubs have agreed in principle to extend the deal, due to expire this month, until the summer. Stewart, 25, has made two Betfred Cup appearances since joining Hearts on loan in August and will continue as back-up to first-choice Craig Gordon.

“We’ve agreed most of it with Livingston so we will extend that deal until the end of the season,” Hearts manager Robbie Neilson told the Evening News. “Ross has come into this group, trained very well and fitted into the culture as well.

“We were pleased getting Craig in during the summer. Ross arrived and competed every day in training. He’s been pushing to get into the team and his performances in training have been excellent so we’re pleased to have him.”

Czech keeper Zdenek Zlamal remains third choice, with teenager Harry Stone due back from a loan spell at Spartans.

A message from the Editor: Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.