Ryotaro Meshino returning to Hearts from Asian U23 Championship with Japan

Ryotaro Meshino will arrive back at Hearts tomorrow following Japan's exit from the Asian Under-23 Championship in Thailand.

The Edinburgh club were concerned that the Japanese Football Association would keep the forward if they progressed to the tournament's knockout phase, but their elimination means he can fly back to Scotland.

Japan face Qatar this afternoon in their final group game, after which Meshino will begin his journey back to Riccarton. He is due to report tomorrow and join Hearts' preparations for Saturday's Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Airdrie.

The on-loan Manchester City forward scored in Japan's opening group game against Saudi Arabia, but 2-1 defeats in that match and the next group fixture against Syria consigned the highly-fancied Japanese to an early exit.

Meshino, 21, scored an exquisite goal as Hearts drew 1-1 with Aberdeen in the Premiership in their final match before the winter break.

Now he could be involved this weekend as new manager Daniel Stendel looks for his first victory since taking the job.