Hearts have confirmed the signing of St Johnstone striker Steven MacLean on a pre-contract deal. The 35-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at Rangers, Scunthorpe United, Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle had been six years at McDiarmid Park. He scored one of the Perth Saints goals in the 2014 Scottish Cup final as they triumphed against Dundee United.
Hearts Head Coach Craig Levein clearly sees MacLean’s considerable experience as being invaluable to the club’s youngsters.
‘I’ve got plenty of experience and I’ve played at some big clubs in my time.’ MacLean told the official Hearts website. ‘I’ve played in different leagues as well and I’ve learned from some top players over the years.
“Hopefully I can bring that side to the younger ones and help them along the way. I’m also hopeful that I can nail down that spot in the team. I want to come here, and do well, and hopefully we can finish as high up the league as possible.
“I know the league and I know everything about Hearts. I know they’ve got passionate fans and I’ve played at Tynecastle a few times.
“I’m really looking forward to that and putting the shirt on and actually playing for Hearts instead of playing against them.”
Hearts are also believed to be closing in on the signing of Cambridge United striker Uche Ikpeazu. The 6ft 3in hitman is the club’s top scorer this season with 14 goals in League Two in England and has rejected the offer of a new contract. He is believed to be keen to try his luck in the Ladbrokes Premiership next season.
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
