Hearts sign Livingston skipper Halkett

Livingston defender Craig Halkett has signed a pre-contract
deal to take him to Hearts this summer.

Halkett, 23, is presently the Livingston captain and will
make the short journey to Tynecastle in June after his contract with Livingston
ends. He has played in the majority of games for Livvy this season.

Capped at Scotland U19 level, Halkett has made 144
appearances to date for Livingston, scoring 15 goals.

Speaking to the official
Hearts website about the move, manager Craig Levein said: “I’m delighted that
Craig has committed to signing for Hearts.

“He’s a talented player
and, at 23-years-old, is at an age where he can continue to develop and
progress.

“This club is the right place
for him to do so and I look forward to welcoming him in the summer.”

Meanwhile, Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu is a major doubt for
the Gorgie side’s trip to Ibrox on Wednesday to face Rangers in the Ladbrokes
Premiership. Ikpeazu is believed to have suffered concussion during Saturday’s
2-1 win over Aberdeen at Tynecastle and is being assessed by Hearts medical
team.

Hearts have confirmed they will appeal the yellow card shown by referee John Beaton to Ikpeazu in Saturday’s game. Beaton believed the Hearts striker dived after a challenge by Aberdeen keeper Joe Lewis, but photographic evidence suggests the Dons player stood on the foot of the Hearts man.

Photo courtesy of www.heartsfc.co.uk