Heart of Midlothian

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Midfielder Jorge Grant and winger Barrie McKay will both leave Hearts at the end of the season when their contracts expire, the Tynecastle club have announced.

One-time Scotland international McKay ed Hearts on a free transfer in 2021 after leaving Swansea City.

The former Rangers and Nottingham Forest man has struggled for minutes this season, making just three starts in all competitions.

Grant has played a more influential role in a disappointing campaign, finding the net three times in 40 appearances.

The Englishman has scored 10 goals in 112 appearances in total since g from Peterborough United in 2022.

Hearts say the first-team squad will form a guard of honour for their departing teammates after Wednesday's Premiership match against St Johnstone.

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

While 'McInnes Mania' has absorbed all of Scottish football's attention over the past few days, one man that has been forgotten about is interim head coach Liam Fox.

Now, I'm not saying he should be offered the role on a permanent basis like Steven Naismith was two years ago, but he deserves more credit for picking up the pieces on a couple of occasions this season.

Fox has gone on two rescue missions; the first back in late September, to arrest the slide which saw us in 11th place in the league - above Hibs - following our worst ever league start on record.

The latest task was to take control of a side who had seen both European and Scottish Cup dreams dissolve into the ether and were nervously looking over their shoulder at a relegation play-off following five matches without a win.

The boyhood Jambo wasn't presented any opportunity to earn glory or go into the history books as one of the heroes, instead he was told to keep us out of them.

Whether Fox will be in charge for the remainder of the season remains to be seen, but he certainly can hold his head high following his latest stint that has seen us pick up two wins from two.

It's an intriguing prospect having Derek McInnes as the main man at Tynecastle, but one thing for certain is he wouldn't be wheeling and dealing on his own.

Much has been said about whether McInnes would like to work in such a set-up, but the question is: has he ever been offered the opportunity before to do so?

I know he previously turned down Sunderland and Rangers while at Aberdeen, but both those clubs had their own travails at the time and results afterwards proved that to be correct.

Given where McInnes' stock is right now, is there a bigger job than the Hearts one that will come knocking at his door? This season hasn't been his greatest at Kilmarnock, but I'm not concerned with that when it's compared to his previous experience.

I'm not old enough to Jim Jefferies ing Hearts from Falkirk, but I'm assured by older Jambos that this has a similar feeling to it.

I'm hoping the St Johnstone game on Wednesday takes care of itself - which would mean we potentially relegate one of McInnes' former clubs at Tynecastle - and the McInnes media circus can start to pack up when we take on Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

I, like every other Jambo, will be glad when the final whistle blows on Sunday afternoon for the final time in the 2024-2025 season and hope that our new manager will be making plans that evening for how to bounce back in the new campaign after the summer.

Talks with Kilmarnock over a compensation deal to make Derek McInnes Heart of Midlothian's new team boss will not be concluded until after the sides meet in their final Scottish Premiership game of the season this weekend, with former Hearts head coach Steven Naismith favourite to replace him at Rugby Park. (Sun), external

McInnes is edging closer to accepting the Hearts job - almost eight months after Jamestown Analytics suggested him as the ideal man to replace Naismith before the appointment of Neil Critchley. (Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Frankie Kent: Utterly assured at the back as Hearts continue their end-of-season renaissance.

Lawrence Shankland: Four goals in his past two league games. Incredible what a change of shape, position and, perhaps, manager can make.

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Is Derek McInnes the right man at the right time for Hearts?

The Tynecastle club seem to have identified the Kilmarnock manager as their top target to fill their vacant head coach position.

A formal approach to the Rugby Park side, where the 53-year-old has managed since 2022, is expected on Monday.

Hearts' interest in McInnes has perhaps come as a surprise to some, with many predicting another left-field appointment given the club's recent use of the renowned Jamestown Analytics software, which has a key role in player recruitment.

But the Edinburgh side look to be prioritising proven experience and success in Scotland following the exit of Neil Critchley, and not many have a better CV than McInnes in that regard despite a tough campaign this term.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, The Herald's Stephen McGowan said: "I think McInnes is the manager with the right profile, with the right records and the right experience. He just has the right gravitas for where Hearts are at.

"I think the big question there is going to be about going down the data-driven road. McInnes is a manager rather than a head coach, so there needs to be a bit of a compromise there between him and the club.

"But I think if you give him an opportunity to go to a club of the stature of Hearts, bringing in investment from Tony Bloom with Jamestown Analytics taking on all of the recruitment, I think you'll find that irresistible."

Heart of Midlothian are set to make their move for Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes official before close of business on Monday. (Scottish Sun)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

Former Hearts midfielder Michal Stewart analyses Lawrence Shankland's standout performance in the win over Motherwell as the striker nears the end of his contract. (Available to UK s only)

Watch highlights as Hearts win 3-0 against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK s only)

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hearts' third-choice goalkeeper Ryan Fulton missed the call to tell him he was making his first-team debut - because his young son was playing on his phone.

The former Hamilton shot-stopper only found out he was in the starting XI for Saturday's 3-0 win over when he arrived at Tynecastle Park before the game.

"[I found out] literally as I turned up here," he told BBC Scotland. "Paul Gallacher [Hearts' goalkeeping coach] had tried to call me but my wee boy had the phone so he kept on just dinghying it.

"Once I got here, Gal was like 'I've tried calling you!' I was like, 'sorry, wee man's had the phone.' He was like, 'you're playing" and I was like, 'oh, no way!'. Then it was just obviously a whirlwind from there pretty much."

Dropped into the squad after Craig Gordon woke up with a neck complaint, Fulton kept a clean sheet as Hearts strolled to victory.

"I was just still prepared the same way," added Fulton. "Obviously, Zander [Clark] is coming back into training now as well, so there's a bit more competition there but it was nice to actually get the nod because it could have been easy to put Zander in there as well.

"It's lovely to get the clean sheet but the most important thing is to get the three points to make sure we stay in this league and take our form into next season."

Despite a torrid season for Hearts, Fulton has enjoyed his first year in Edinburgh.

"It was nice coming to this culture and environment," he said. "The pressure and the club demands, that's been different as well. But I've enjoyed that challenge and obviously I know I've not played much football but I've been experiencing it.

"Learning off Craig and Zander and watching Gal [Paul Gallacher] in the training and seeing how that works, it's been good for me, I've enjoyed it."

We asked for your views on managerless Hearts' 3-0 win against Motherwell.

Here's what some of you said:

Graham: A very enjoyable game from a Hearts perspective in what was a dead rubber for both sides, the timing of the first goal right at the end of the minute's applause for young Charlie was perfect. Good to see Yan Dhanda contributing well as the lad has talent that hopefully whoever the new manager is can bring the best out of. Onwards and upwards to next season.

Alexander: Good win, good football. Delighted we are making an approach for Derek McInnes though I'd rather have Stephen Robinson. My concern still stands that if we win the next two games it allows Ann Budge and Craig Levein to push the case for their man Liam Fox to get the job!

Jim: A reasonable performance in a match where there was little danger attached to the result. If the match proved anything it is how important it is we hold on to Lawrence Shankland's services. We all knew he was asked to play a deeper role by Neil Critchley and that affected his goal tally but up front is where he is most valuable and he has proved it yet again over the past few weeks. If McInnes is to be our new manager I hope he is given sufficient funds to seek out more quality additions.

Sam: Not sure we learned much other than that Ryan Fulton is very much a third-choice goalkeeper. Nice to see some out-of-touch players like Shankland, Alan Forrest and Dhanda playing better. Defence looks more solid with Craig Halkett and Frankie Kent back.

David: Great to see Shankland back among the goals, hopefully he could still be here next season. He certainly made the difference in a scoreline which probably flattered us a little. Fox's change of shape in the last two games have definitely improved us.

Steve: Not rocket science, Shankland up front equals goals and he looks to be enjoying himself. Defence looks solid, we just lack pace in midfield. A very sunny and happy Tynecastle, it's been a long time coming, the gloom has lifted.

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• Motherwell have failed to score in 12 of their 36 games, only Ross County (15) have failed to score more often in the Premiership this season.

• Lawrence Shankland has scored eight goals in the Premiership this season (two in this game), more than any other Hearts player.

• Tom Sparrow attempted nine tackles in this game, more than any other player (ahead of Beni Baningime - five tackles).

• Cameron Devlin made five fouls in this game, more than any other player (ahead of Anthony Paul Watt - four fouls).

Hearts are trying once more to reach a new contract agreement with captain Lawrence Shankland, with the striker hitting form as his current deal nears expiration. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

Two goals from Lawrence Shankland helped Hearts to a comfortable win against Motherwell.

Were you at Tynecastle or following the match from home? Either way, we want your views on the game – have your say here.

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Hearts interim head coach Liam Fox: "We had some good moments in the game and scored three good goals. But also the commitment from the players to working hard in this heat and sticking to the plan was there for all to see.

"There's good players in that changing room and I've just tried to simplify it and make it nice and clear and easy for them in and out of possession. The players have been fantastic and all the credit has to go to them.

"At this moment in time I'll be back in on Monday and looking forward to St Johnstone at home, will be another tough game."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Lawrence Shankland's poor form this season has been as big a factor in Hearts' disappointing campaign as his scintillating run last term was in the club romping to third place.

For much of the season he has looked lethargic, frustrated, and low in confidence as he dropped deeper and deeper looking for the ball.

All that is perhaps understandable when a mooted big move last summer never materialised, after he rejected big contract offer from Hearts to prolong his stay.

Any deal on the table now will presumably be nowhere near the level it was 12 months ago, but as the season draws to a close Shankland is doing his best to get as much value as he can.

He now has five goals in his last three games and is starting to look more like the player that scored 31 times last season.

His movement in and around the box has been sharper, and his finishing more crisp.

His first goal was well-taken from the edge of the box, and his second was a deft header.

Interim head coach Liam Fox's decision to revert to a 4-3-3 with more width and Shankland as the central striker has certainly helped.

For many Hearts fans, though, this might all be too little, too late, given the pressure has been somewhat off and they are playing in the bottom half.

But as the club make a decision about just how much he is worth, the captain's upturn in form will give them food for thought.

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Hearts midfielder Cammy Devlin is available after illness but Jamie McCart (thigh) is set to remain sidelined along with Gerald Taylor (knee), Aidan Denholm (hamstring) and back-up keeper Zander Clark.

Motherwell have Johnny Koutroumbis suspended but Liam Gordon has recovered from concussion.

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos is back training after a broken wrist but unlikely to feature. Kofi Balmer (hamstring) and Shane Blaney (knee) remain out along with Sam Nicholson (knee), Jack Vale and Zach Robinson (both Achilles).

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Alan Forrest is ignoring the "outside noise" of stick from ers as the winger attempts to revive his Hearts career.

The 28-year-old made only his second start of 2025 last weekend as interim boss Liam Fox took the reins following the sacking of Neil Critchley.

Forrest has been on the end of criticism from his own fans this season, but said: "For me, it's just outside noise. A lot of players are going to get stick from different places.

"You just try and focus as best as you can on what you can control. I don't think you can control that.

"It's just about my performances and when I get the chance to play, it's just about what I can do. Hopefully, that's contributing by scoring goals or making goals.

"You're never going to control the outside noise anyway so I think that's all I can really do to affect that."

With Motherwell the visitors on Saturday, Forrest could start at Tynecastle for the first time since the Conference League draw with Petrocub in December when he was barracked by some Hearts before being replaced at half-time.

"I think that was a difficult night for everyone, that game," said Forrest.

"We fell short that night and after we'd got off to such a great start in that tournament. It wasn't great for anyone. Everyone was hurting from it and I was no different.

"If you're not playing, you do worry. You want to be playing, so you do get frustrated.

"It was just about working as hard as I can in training, waiting for the opportunity and luckily I got that on Saturday.

"As a player, you've got to back yourself. If you get the opportunities, it's about trying to contribute and make an impact as much as I can."

Colin Moffat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell are safe from trouble and Hearts are as good as too, so here's hoping the teams serve up better fare than they did at Fir Park last month.

Both teams needed a win that day to make the top six but the pressure told in a drab, goalless draw.

Lawrence Shankland was on the visitors' bench that afternoon and came nearest to breaking the deadlock with a late effort cleared off the line.

The Scotland striker netted in the following Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Aberdeen and banged in two more in the win at Ross County last weekend to effectively snuff out any play-off concerns.

Caretaker manager Liam Fox needed the points and he wasn't messing about, immediately reinstating Shankland as the starting centre forward.

The 29-year-old, who has spent most of 2025 in a deeper role, will be a free agent in a few weeks, so he has picked a good time to remind us of his goalscoring talent.

However, his season tally of seven is a huge drop-off from the 31 and 28 in his previous campaigns at Tynecastle.

Will there be a clamour for Shankland's signature over the summer on the strength of those past exploits or could Hearts tempt their captain to stay on?

A few more goals over the next couple of weeks would strengthen his hand.

Read all the weekend Premiership picks

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• Hearts have won five of their past six home league games against Motherwell (L1), including both of their past two without conceding.

• Motherwell have won just one of their past five league games against Hearts (D1 L3), failing to score in three of their past four.

• Hearts have lost their past two home league games, last losing three in a row at Tynecastle in the Scottish Premiership in December 2019 under Daniel Stendel.

• Motherwell have won their past two league games (as many as their previous 12 beforehand), and could win three on the bounce for the first time since September 2023, the third of which was a 1-0 victory at Hearts.

• Motherwell have scored more 90th-minute winning goals than any side in the Scottish Premiership this season, with Tawanda Maswanhise's against Dundee last time out their third of the campaign.

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Liam Fox says bringing Barrie McKay in from the cold proves every Hearts player now has a "clean slate".

McKay had not featured in a Hearts squad in 2025 under Neil Critchley before Fox put the 30-year-old winger on the bench for his first game in charge, last weekend's win at Ross County.

"From Barry's point of view, I just thought the way he trained last week was really, really good. There's no doubting Barry's quality on his day," said Fox prior to Saturday's home game with Motherwell.

"And I just felt [the team] having not scored consistently over a period, he might just give you something a wee bit different.

"Like I said to the players last week, there's a clean slate this week, so it's up to you to go and impress and train properly. And Barry did that and he caught my eye.

"We'll have difficult decisions again this week to leave players out. I say to them all the time, don't miss an opportunity, don't make it easy for me to leave you out the matchday squad.

"All I can say is from the period that I've been in this interim charge, Barry's attitude's been really good and his quality's never been down."