Hearts Archives - Page 5 of 11

Steady Moves in a Busy Month: Hearts’ January Window Reviewed

Heart of Midlothian approached the January 2026 transfer window with a clear aim, to strengthen key areas without disrupting the core of the squad. Defensive reinforcement arrived early with the signing of Dutch centre-back Jordi Altena from RKC Waalwijk. Brought in on an undisclosed fee, Altena has added reinforcements to the Jambos back line while also offering an attacking side as well. In attack, Hearts looked abroad for added pace and creativity. Islam Chesnokov joined from Tobol Kostanay, giving the side another option out wide. His arrival was highly anticipated after signing a pre contract at the beginning of the season. Midfield depth was addressed later in the window through the loan signing of Marc Leonard from Birmingham City. Leonard was part of the Hearts academy and has had a large impact over his first two games. Another attacking option arrived in the shape of Rogers Mato, who joined on loan from FK Vardar. The Ugandan forward came in as Hearts managed injuries among their strikers, with the deal structured to allow for his permanent three year move in the summer. Outgoing business was quieter but still significant. Goalkeeper Zander Clark moved to Doncaster Rovers on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The move allowed Clark to gain regular minutes, while Hearts still have the options of Alexander Schwolow, Craig Gordon and Ryan Fulton. Midfielder Sander Kartum also left temporarily, joining Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League Men. The loan will provide Kartum with more consistent football and he has made an impact already, scoring in his first appearance for the club. One of the more high-profile exits came very late in the window, as academy graduate James Wilson joined Tottenham Hotspur on loan with an option to buy. The 18-year-old striker moved south to continue his development at under-21 level in England. Hearts’ January window was more about smart adjustments than headline moves. Additions were made across defence, midfield and attack, while outgoing loans gave players the chance to play regularly elsewhere. It all pointed to a club thinking sensibly about the present while keeping one eye on the months ahead in their title charge.

February 2, 2026

Hearts Youngster Wilson set for Premier League Move

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to take James Wilson on loan from Hearts till the end of the season, with an option to buy. The 18-year-old managed six goals in thirty-three appearances last season, but has fallen down the pecking order under Derek McInnes, featuring just six times. Arsenal were reported to offer similar interest, offering a trial for the youngster, but Hearts have instead opted for Wilson to join Thomas Frank’s side. The Premier League interest took McInnes by surprise, he told Sky Sports Scotland earlier this week. “He’s been restricted with minutes this season. It’s tough to get into the first team at this age,” “Would we see the benefit of a loan? Yes, to get some minutes. But this one was a wee bit left-field.”

February 2, 2026

Hearts Claim 3–0 Victory Over Dundee United at Tannadice

Hearts extend their lead at the top of the table with a win over Dundee United. It was a clinical night for Heart of Midlothian at Tannadice as they came away with a convincing 3-0 victory over Dundee United, consolidating their grip at the top of the Premiership table. The Jambos made a positive start and opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Pierre Landry Kaboré found space inside the box, after a cross from Harry Milne and he finished from close range saw them go 1-0 up. Dundee United enjoyed spells of possession and attempted to build play, but struggled to convert that control into clear scoring opportunities. Amar Fatah was sent off for the home side after a challenge on Marc Leonard. The decision was originally given as a yellow but referee Calum Scott was sent to the monitor and the card was upgraded to red. Hearts then doubled their lead through a penalty. Claudio Braga was brought down in the box by Ryan Strain. Alexandros Kyziridis stepped up with a right footed shot and scored. United attempted to respond before the interval, pushing players higher up the pitch, but they were unable to test the Hearts goalkeeper in any meaningful way. The pattern of the game remained largely unchanged after the break. Dundee United continued to work the ball forward but struggled to break down a compact Hearts back line. Hearts were content to manage the game with their 2-0 lead. In the 75th minute Panutche Camará saw red, a second sending off for Dundee United this time for violent conduct against Marc Leonard. Kabore got his third goal of the evening after 81 minutes a left footed shot into the right side of goal and that sealed the game for McInnes’ side. Despite their efforts, Dundee United were unable to trouble the scoreboard. Hearts leave Tannadice with a clean sheet and all three points. Dundee United: Maynard-Brewer (4), Cleall- Harding (5), Graham (4), Keresztes (3), Strain (5), Stephenson (4), Sibbald (4), Ferry (5), Fatah (2), Möller (4), Trapanovski (4) Substitutions: Farrugia (3), Sapsford (4), Camara (2), Stirton (3) Hearts: Schwolow (7), Milne (8), Findlay (7), Halkett (7), Altena (7), Kyziridis (8), Magnusson (6), Leonard (8), McEntee (7), Braga (7), Kabore (9) Substitutions: McCart (6), Steinwender (5), Kerjota (6), Ageu (6), Mato (5)

February 1, 2026

McInnes Previews Dundee United

Hearts will make the trip up to Tannadice to face Dundee United in an 8pm kick off. This is the third time the two sides have met with Hearts winning the first game 3-2 and the second meeting ended in a 1-1 draw. Derek McInnes spoke to the media ahead of their game saying: “We’ve had a couple tough games against United, a late winner and deserve no more than a point at Tynecastle. I didn’t think we were great in that game”. “Whereas I thought we deserved the win up there. Albeit, the winner comes a bit late”. “That day the pitch was pristine, sunshine. A brilliant advert for the Scottish game, obviously the nature in the back end of January the pitch won’t be perfect. It’s just the way it is for lots of clubs at the minute”. “I know Dundee United are desperate to get the game on, as we are. Looking forward to it”. “Nonetheless, it will be a tough game there’s three point available and we are well aware of each game and their importance”. Hearts are still without a lot of player due to injury and Beni Baningime is suspended for this game also. The Jambos announced mid week the signing of Rodgers Mato. He joins this side on loan for the remainder of the season before his official three year contract begins in July.

January 31, 2026

“If We Show More Quality, We Win The Game” – Derek McInnes

Hearts manager Derek McInnes feels his side lacked a percentile in quality needed to win in their 2-2 home draw with Celtic. The league leaders came from behind twice against the defending champions to earn a point, with the second equaliser coming once Celtic were reduced to ten men following a red card to defender Austin Trusty. And McInnes feels that his team’s chance creation and control of the game was best of the two sides. He said: “There’s two sides to it. I think when you come from behind twice against a team of Celtic’s quality, there’s always a bit of pride and you want your players to show a bit of perseverance that we did. “But I do think in terms of chances created and how the game played out, I thought we had the better, and more, chances to win the game. “Celtic had a tough game on Thursday night and I think that factored into them, but I thought our energy that we put into the game, our connection from everybody really in terms of effort was there. “And I spoke at half-time to try bring a bit more quality – and if we show more quality, we win the game. We’ve not won the game because of that.” McInnes was irate after Celtic’s opener with a member of Celtic staff’s reaction, which seen the Hearts manager inside the Hoops dugout. The 54-year-old was coy to delve deeper into the incident, but did explain briefly. “That’s one place I’ll not be going! [The Celtic dugout] “It’s nothing to do with Martin [O’Neill] or Shaun [Maloney], it was just one of their inexperienced coaches that got a bit carried away. “That’s all I want to say on it.” Hearts were without captain and top goalscorer Lawrence Shankland today as well as midfield duo Beni Baningime and Cammy Devlin, and McInnes was pleased that their absences were not too hard felt. “There’s no two ways about it, on Sunday/Monday we were all a bit despondent when we get the news on injuries, but overcoming these challenges is part of it. “It’s good that we’ve got boys that have been waiting on the sidelines who played their part today, like [Landry] Kabore who makes us play a bit differently.” Hearts remain six points ahead of Celtic but Rangers reduced their lead at the summit to four points after defeating Dundee 3-0 at Ibrox. The Jambos boss is relishing the title race as the season moves into it’s final fifteen games. “I’m delighted we are where we are. We’ve been there a while now, I think it’s four months now, it’s not a purple patch. “I’m enjoying where we are, but we are well aware that there’s big clubs and good teams are desperate to be where we are, and we’ve got to be ready for that challenge as we go along.” Hearts have three away games in their next four, starting with a trip to Tannadice this Saturday. Their next three games after come against St. Mirren away, Hibs at home and Rangers away. Coming out of these with as few battle scars as possible, might be the difference in a potential historic Heart of Midlothian season.

January 25, 2026

Hearts 2-2 Celtic: Fiery Drama at Tynecastle Cauldron Ends Even

Hearts came back from behind twice to earn a point in a 2-2 epic against title holders Celtic. Benjamin Nygren gave Celtic the lead from a free-kick inside seven minutes, before second half goals from Stuart Findlay and Claudio Braga either side of a Hyun-jun Yang tap in ensured both sides left Tynecastle with a share of the points. It is the second time in three days Celtic have drawn 2-2 with a man down, after defender Austin Trusty was shown a straight red before Hearts’ second equaliser. Nygren’s opener came inside seven minutes after he was fouled by Hearts debutant Marc Leonard on the edge of the box. The Swede stepped up, and curled one into the top right corner to become joint top scorer of the Premiership so far this season. It is the first time Celtic have scored a direct free kick in the league since January 2021, when David Turnbull netted against Hibs. Landry Kabore felt he should have had a penalty 23 minutes in after he went down dragging an effort way wide. No VAR check was required however, despite a swarm of protests from the Hearts players and fans. The hosts were gifted a golden opportunity to restore parity with around ten minutes of the half remaining. Austin Trusty failed to play a bouncing ball back to his goalkeeper with his knee or thigh which slipped Alexandros Kyziridis through one on one. The Greek winger could not beat the extended leg of Kasper Schmeichel, who produced a fantastic save to keep his side in front. The equaliser would come for Hearts though three minutes after the restart. Debutant Leonard’s inswinging corner to the back post was met by Stuart Findlay, as the centre half rose highest to nod home his sixth goal of the season. Kyziridis had the chance to make amends for his glaring miss 55 minutes in when a flicked-on header fell into his path, but a last-ditch tackle from Liam Scales inside the area brought the Hearts attack to a halt. Just as the hosts looked to have gained the upper-hand on the defending champions, they were stung by a Hyun-jun Yang tap in. After tremendous combination play from Daizen Maeda and new signing Tomas Cvancara down the left hand side, the Czech forward put it on a plate for Yang to fire Celtic ahead with less than half an hour to go. It came just a minute or two following Cvancara having a looping header hit Craig Gordon’s crossbar, and a minute or two before the new recruit was booked and subsequently subbed off. Quite the five minutes for the attacker. Audible disbelief could be heard around Tynecastle when referee Steven McLean brandished a yellow card for Austin Trusty after he brought down Landry Kabore with around fifteen minutes to play. He was sent to the VAR monitor and would send Trusty off, wit the American adjudged to be the last man and denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Celtic had just brought off an injured Kieran Tierney for Dane Murray a moment prior, with Anthony Ralston then being brought on for Yang to further re-arrange an already makeshift backline. With less than seven minutes to play there was a scramble inside the Celtic box that you were just anticipating to be brought to an end by the sound of Hearts fan raptures. A point-blank stop from Schmeichel again nearly creeped beyond him, but the Dane and Arne Engels made sure it only went passed for a corner. But the league leaders would level proceedings with three minutes of regulated time to go. Oisin McEntee headed down a ball from a set-play, and Claudio Braga was in the right place to unleash a rocket passed Schmeichel to give the home side the equaliser just before the fourth official’s board confirmed an additional eight minutes to play. Blair Spittal clipped the bar deep into injury time after the ball fell to him first time just outside the box. It was always rising, but hearts would have been in the mouths of many a Celtic supporter. The draw means that things only get tighter at the top of the table. Celtic are now third still six points behind leaders Hearts, but a win for Rangers over Dundee means the Ibrox side sit second now four points behind the Jambos. Celtic have European matters to take of at home to Utrecht on Thursday before they are back in action domestically at home to Falkirk on Sunday. As for Hearts, they are on the road Saturday as they will hope to seize the opportunity of going further ahead of Celtic before they play, travelling to Tannadice to face Dundee United. HEARTS: Gordon 5, Halkett 7, McCart 5 (McEntee 71’ 3), Braga 7, Kabore 5 (Wilson 90+4 1), Steinwender 4 (Spittal 86’ 1), Milne 5, Findlay 6, Magnusson 4 (Kerjota 71’ 2), Leonard 5, Kyziridis 5 CELTIC: Schemichel 7, Scales 6, Trusty 3, Nygren 6, Cvancara 5 (Tounekti 60’ 2), Yang 5 (Ralston 77’ 2), Araujo 6, Engels 6, Maeda 4, McGregor 5, Tierney 5 (Murray 73’ 1)

January 25, 2026

Homecoming Move: Hearts Bring Back Marc Leonard

Heart of Midlothian have added a familiar face to their squad after confirming the loan signing of Marc Leonard until the end of the season. The midfielder’s return to Tynecastle could be crucial, with injuries and suspensions affecting options in the middle of the park. Originally part of the club’s youth setup, Leonard left Scotland as a teenager to continue his development in England. A spell with Brighton’s academy helped shape his career before making his mark at Northampton Town. During his time there, he became a consistent starter, playing over 100 matches. Those performances eventually earned him a permanent move to Birmingham City. Opportunities have been harder to come by this season in the Championship, with most appearances coming from the bench. Experience north of the border should help him settle quickly, and there’s clearly motivation to prove a point back where it all started. Leonard spoke to Hearts media as part of his announcement, where he said, “Once I spoke to the manager. I knew that this was the place for me to come back” “I was over the moon, the conversation went really well and I’m so glad I’m here” He will be available against Celtic this weekend and is likely to make his first professional appearance in Maroon to cover the sparse midfield area.

January 23, 2026

Top but Still Underdogs: Hearts Eye Celtic

Derek McInnes has been interviewed ahead of a title fighting game this weekend. The Jambos will host Celtic on Sunday as the two sides are separated by only 6 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership. He said “Obviously it’s a big game on Sunday, we’ve still got a lot going for us with the squad and it’s not all doom and gloom. I need to stress that” “Injuries are part and parcel, losing key players is part and parcel and I don’t want anyone from a Hearts persuasion to lose any sort of hope or optimism” “It’s a brilliant game to be involved in and we are really looking forward to it” “So whatever Hearts team gets put out we will be ready for Celtic, and ready to compete. Just as we’ve always been” “We will always probably be seen as the underdog even though we are top of the league” “Last time out, maybe there was some of you guys (media) and some people out there last time we played Celtic, thought Hearts had a right good chance of winning it” “We believe we can win the game on Sunday, regardless of who’s fit and who’s not” The Edinburgh side have won both previous games against Celtic this season, and this will be the 3rd different Celtic manager they have faced across those games.

January 22, 2026

VAR shouldn’t be getting involved – Derek McInnes after Scottish Cup exit

Derek McInnes suggests that VAR’s decision to rule out Tomas Magnusson’s opening goal was “harsh” following Hearts’ penalty shootout exit to Falkirk in the Scottish Cup. Playing their third game in six days, Elton Kabangu’s missed penalty allowed Ben Parkinson to send the Bairns into the hat for the 5th round. McInnes felt the shootout defeat “stings that little bit more”. ‘There were a lot of people at the start of this week that said to me about prioritising St Mirren over the cup game, and I didn’t like that mentality, I thought we should be prioritising both.’ ‘I think it’s important we are a strong cup team, it’s been a tough week, its took its toll in terms of injuries, suspensions, and the effort put out by the players output from the players’ ‘We started the game really strongly. I thought we would really need to get off to a flying start and impose ourselves in the game, and I thought we were brilliant in that first half hour.’ ‘But we were guilty of not taking enough shots, not working the goalkeeper enough, when you are as dominant as that in the first half hour youve got to make hay, and we didn’t.’ ‘We lose a poor goal, which skews everything; it’s the type of goal we don’t normally lose, but getting done in the wide areas isn’t good enough.’ Hearts had initially taken the lead in the 53rd minute, after Magnusson crashed home from close range. But VAR deemed that the Norwegian used his hand to control the ball, keeping the score level. McInnes was “disappointed” with the intervention. ‘The angle I’ve seen is not definitive that that’s a handball unless VAR have seen it from the main stand side.’ But I don’t think VAR should be getting involved in that. I didn’t see any real motion from Tomas [Magnusson] to gain an advantage; it’s the type of thing that was said VAR wouldn’t be involved in a couple of weeks ago at Hampden with Willie Collum. I thought it was really harsh. Captain Lawrence Shankland was forced off after suffering an injury, whilst the details of the knock remain unclear, McInnes may be without his starman before their table-top showdown with Celtic next week. ‘Not great, we don’t know exactly what he’s done, when it comes to penalties, you want to keep him on for obvious reasons, it doesn’t look good for next week anyway.’ We’ve got 8 days before we play Celtic, we’ll dust ourselves down, well see where we are, well get over the disappointment because that’s the job, and we’ll be ready for them.

January 18, 2026

Hearts 1-1 Falkirk (4-5 on pens): Parkinson the hero as Bairns progress to 5th round

Hearts 1-1 Falkirk (4-5 penalties) Parkinson (59′) Shankland (85′ pen) Ben Parkinson’s goal and winning penalty sent Falkirk to the 5th round of the Scottish Cup, dumping the league leaders out at Tynecastle. Hearts started brightly, in an otherwise bleak first half. Claudio Braga raced clear of the Falkirk backline in the opening minutes, but scuffed his left-footed striker wide of Scott Bain’s goal. Alexandros Kyziridis produced a world-class goal to break the deadlock against Falkirk in September. He attempted a similar 25-yard strike after collecting Tomas Magnusson’s cross-field ball, but Bain gathered the bobbling effort. Derek McInnes’s side enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening 25 minutes without scoring, to the delight of the large travelling support, who filled most of the Roseburn end. Chances were few and far between for the visitors in the first half. Leon McCann raced towards Alexander Schwolow’s goal on the half-hour mark after picking up a pocket of space. His left-footed strike had power, but was pushed away by the Austrian goalkeeper. The visitors had the final chance of the half when Filip Lissah headed over a Miller freekick. Neither side looked likely to find a goal as Nick Walsh blew his whistle for half-time. McGlynn opted for a triple substitution at the break, including the introduction of Sheffield United loanee Louie Marsh. McInnes kept the same eleven, but looked to have switched Kyziridis to the right flank, in an attempt to penetrate the visiting defence. Magnusson thought he had broken the deadlock in the 53rd minute. The ball broke kindly to the Norwegian following a hopeful long ball, stroking home from close range amidst a sea of Falkirk bodies. But a lengthy VAR check ensued, deeming that the midfielder had controlled the ball with his hand, keeping the scores level. The visiting support cheered the decision and didn’t have long to wait before celebrating again. Substitute Parkinson got across Jordi Altena to tap home Filip Lissah’s low cross in the 58th minute, sending the away allocation into frenzy. The goal galvanised the visitors, and Parkinson should have doubled their advantage after racing clear on goal moments later. But the striker failed to trouble Schwolow, slicing his strike into the Roseburn Stand. With 15 minutes to play, McInnes turned to the latest incomer, Islam Chesnokov, injecting pace into Hearts’ attack. In truth, Bain in the Falkirk goal had enjoyed a quiet second period. The hosts were awarded a lifeline with five minutes to play. Chesnokov made an immediate impact after being hacked in the box by Leon McCann, Shankland powered home the resultant penalty to level proceedings, and set up extra time. A tense extra time period ensued, as both teams wrestled for the winning goal. Miller tested Schwolow with a left-footed strike after finding space on the edge of the box. The low drive looked set to break the net, but the Austrian pushed clear to maintain level proceedings. Spittal went closest for Hearts in the 113th minute with a 25-yard free kick, which dipped narrowly over Bain’s crossbar. Falkirk responded with four minutes to play. McCann marauded into space on the left, his cross broke to substitute Ethan Ross, who blasted from 6 yards towards goal. Schwolow held firm to divert the powerful strike, and Stuart Findlay cleared the danger. Falkirk held their nerve in the penalty shootout, scoring all five of their penalties. Kabangu placed his left-footed strike over Bain’s bar before Parkinson delivered the killer blow. A marathon 120 minutes ended in delight for McGlynn’s determined bunch, for McInnes and Hearts, full focus will shift to their league title charge. Hearts: Schwolow 7 Kent 6 Halkett 7 McCart 6 Milne 6 Altena 6 Magnusson 6 Baningime 7 Kyziridis 6 Braga 5 Shankland 6 Substitutes: Spittal 5 Findlay 5 Kabore 5 Chesnokov 5 Kabangu 3 Forrester 3 Falkirk: Bain 7 McCann 6 Henderson 7 Allan 7 Lissah 7 Cartwright 6 Spencer 7 Yeats 6 Tait 7 Miller 7 Stewart 6 Substitutes: Marsh 5 Wilson 5 Parkinson 6 Adams 4 Ross 3 Graham 2

January 17, 2026

Hearts