Hearts explain plans for Jaden Ferguson as former Celtic forward joins on trial

Former Celtic forward Jaden Ferguson has joined Hearts on trial as the Edinburgh club look to recruit players for their B team.

The 18-year-old is training at Riccarton and took part in sessions with manager Robbie Neilson’s first-team squad. He is now being assessed by youth coach Steven Naismith as Hearts endeavour to bring in players for their second string.

“He's for the B team. He was at Celtic, Jaden Ferguson, so Naisy's just having a look at him,” explained Neilson. “He trained with us yesterday, now he'll stay with the B team squad. We need to recruit for that area so there'll probably be a few tralists coming in over the next couple of weeks for that group.”

The Hearts B team will take part in the Lowland League this coming season after a successful application to enter a team in the fifth tier of Scotland’s football pyramid.

Celtic B and Rangers B played in that divison last season and enjoyed relative success. Riccarton coaching staff believe it offers a good opportunity to develop young players who could later make a first-team breakthrough.

Ferguson graduated from Celtic Under-18s in 2021 and was part of their B team squad last term. The Glasgow club finished third in the Lowland League table behind second-placed Rangers and champions Bonnyrigg Rose.

Ferguson is a versatile attacker who can operate at centre-forward or as a second striker. He has played out wide in the past but is most comfortable through the middle as a traditional No.9.