Hearts sign Scotland squad goalkeeper Zander Clark

Hearts have signed Zander Clark on a three-year contract as an extra goalkeeper for their first-team squad.

Clark left St Johnstone in June after his contract expired and was reportedly interesting Dundee United and Stoke City as a free agent during the summer. However, Hearts have captured the services of the 30-year-old Scotland squad player.

They wanted a third goalkeeper for domestic and European assignments and will register their 25-man Europa Conference League squad by Friday 11pm UK time, as per UEFA rules.

Club captain Craig Gordon is the established No.1 with Ross Stewart as back-up prior to Clark’s arrival. The new signing brings significant experience to the goalkeeping department.

Clark has been keen to find a new club and being involved in European football would help his international aspirations. His form at St Johnstone first earned him a call-up to the Scotland squad in August 2021. He was called up again later that year and earlier this year but has yet to win a cap for his country.

He made 42 appearances for the Perth club last season and helped them through a tense relegation play-off against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in May to preserve their Premiership status. The previous year, he was integral to a historic double trophy success as Saints lifted both the Premier Sports Cup and Scottish Cup.

He is now Hearts’ ninth new recruit of the summer. Kye Rowles, Lewis Neilson, Alex Cochrane, Jorge Grant, Alan Forrest, Lawrence Shankland, Orestis Kiomourtzoglou and Stephen Humphrys are fresh additions to the squad from last season.

Humphrys arrived on loan from Wigan Athletic on Thursday. The others are permanent signings.