Spittal makes it a treble for ambitious Hearts

Steven Naismith continues his drive to improve Heart of Midlothian FC and boost his squad having signed a third player who is also set to join the cinch Premiership club in the summer transfer window.

Livingston defender James Penrice and Ross County attacking midfielder Yan Dhanda have agreed to move to the Gorgie club.

Now, Blair Spittal has agreed a pre-contract deal and will move from Motherwell after lengthy talks with the player whose contract at Fir Park expires at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for Motherwell this season after joining the Lanarkshire club in the summer of 2022.

Meanwhile, Barrie McKay is back in the squad after injury and bosses say he could return against Kilmarnock at the end of this month. The match against the team in fourth, Hearts are third, is at Tynecastle on March 30 (15.00). The ticket exchange is now open for that match.

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Hearts bosses say they are surprised to learn that their appeal against Lawrence Shankland’s yellow card, administered for simulation against Ross County, has been dismissed.

And tickets for next month’s cinch Premiership fixture at St Mirren are on sale to fans with 90+ loyalty points.

PICTURE: Steven Naismith in thoughtful mood.