Hearts are in the final stages of their preparation for the Premier Sports Cup opener against Dunfermline at Tynecastle on Saturday (kick-off 17.15) following their pre-season workouts at Riccarton and in Spain.
Derek McInnes said his men have been an “absolute joy” to work with and the squad, according to the new boss, have worked hard in training.
They also impressed the new head coach in the challenge game against English League Two combine, Crawley Town, and McInnes said: “I thought there was a wee bit more indication about the team that we want to be.”
He wants his men to look forward more quickly, spot the wide players more quickly and look for the strikers more quickly and the ex-Kilmarnock and Aberdeen boss feels his men are getting there, but they are still on a journey.
The Gorgie fans are excited and get their first view of the new-look squad against Dunfermline and The Pars beat East Fife 3-1 in a friendly in midweek at Methil, two goals coming in six minutes either side of half-time.
Gilmour and McLeod netted with Kane adding a third with eight minutes of regular play remaining. Jones scored for the home side with five minutes left.
Pars boss Neil Lennon, who signed a two-year deal in late May, has welcomed Alfons Amade, subject to international clearance, to the club this week and the German-born midfielder, who can also play at right back, plays for Mozambique. He has joined the club on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old has also played in Belgium and Bulgaria and Lennon said: “Alfons will bring industry and technical qualifies to our central midfield.”
Dunfermline have trained in Fife pre-season and their build-up has included a training camp in Bulgaria.
For the record, the Fifers will have around 1,500 fans at Tynecastle on Saturday as tickets for the game have been snapped up.
