Hearts: Robbie Neilson makes encouraging Aaron McEneff prediction, injury boost and Andy Irving contract update

Hearts new boy Aaron McEneff has been tipped to become a starter by the end of the season.

The midfielder was a key recruit for manager Robbie Neilson and sporting director Joe Savage in the winter transfer window.

Hearts paid a six-figure fee to bring the former Tottenham Hotspur youngster to the club from Shamrock Rovers.

The Irish star has made two substitute appearances so far but it may not be long before the Tynecastle support are seeing more of the 25-year-old.

“I think he’s done very well for us when he’s come off the bench,” Neilson said ahead of Saturday’s Championship clash with Morton. "He gives us energy, good drive and positivity in that midfield.

"We need to be careful with him because he has not trained since December.

"It’s important we build him up gradually but Aaron will be a starter for us towards the end of the season, next season and going forward because he is a top player and we’re delighted to have him.”

Gnanduillet and Irving

Aaron McEneff has been tipped to become a regular started by Robbie Neilson. Picture: SNS

There was more good news on the injury front following John Souttar’s return to first-team training.

Armand Gnanduillet completed a full training session on Thursday to make himself available for the Morton match, having missed the Queen of the South draw with a hamstring injury.

Aidy White, however, will miss the game and isn’t likely to return to training until next week.

Neilson is still hoping to bring in a right-back with the parent club of the current target “dragging their heels” over a deal.

Meanwhile, negotiations are still taking place with Andy Irving over an extended deal. The midfielder’s deal expires at the end of the season.

“We’re still chatting and we’ll see how it goes in the coming days and weeks,” Neilson said.

“Andy is a big fan, his family are Hearts fans and we have said all along we’d like to keep him.

“He has played very well for us, I still think he has a long way to go to become the player we think he can become and we think this is the best place for him to do it.”