Hearts boss Daniel Stendel on Donis Avdijaj's lack of impact and his high hopes for the player

Hearts boss Daniel Stendel has revealed that fitness issues have prevented Donis Avdijaj from making an impact since moving to Tynecastle in January.

The German manager, however, still expects the 23-year-old to contribute between now and the end of the season.

Avdijaj was a key January recruit, moving from Turkish side Trabzonspor. Stendel was aware of the attacker from his time in Germany. The player was highly-rated at Schalke’s academy and had a €49m buy-out clause.

His career has not followed the path many expected with Hearts his sixth club.

“There were some things and situations in his career that weren't going well,” Stendel told German publication Bild. “Donis learned from it.

“I want him to be noticed about the sport and not with big sayings. Basically, increased self-confidence is not wrong for an offensive player, but he should then also score a corresponding number of goals.”

Avdijaj signed an initial six-month deal but has featured just three times, making only one start.

Despite the lack of game time, Stendel has high hopes for the player, in the short and long-term.

“Unfortunately Donis still has problems starting,” he said. “I expect that he will bring us forward with his enormous technical skills and that he will help us with goals to keep the (Premiership) status.

“He still has to catch up in terms of fitness. It is important that he shows the right, professional attitude every day as before.”

He added: “For Donis it’s a hell of a long way back to the Bundesliga. But if he can convince again through his performance, he can make a case for himself to top division sides in Germany or also England.

“He definitely has the potential to play in a big league.”