Hearts star backed for important Champions League role after Tynecastle exit agreed
Hearts are nearing their return to the Champions League and a star has been backed ahead of it.
Wouter Vrancken says Hearts number one Alexander Schwolow will be up to the task of Champions League qualifiers versus Sturm Graz - despite agreeing a Tynecastle exit.
6 ft 6 in Beau Reus has signed a deal in Gorgie until 2029, after time in free agency, following his four-year stint in head coach Vrancken's homeland at Belgian side Beveren. Talks to bring goalkeeper Reus to the Premiership side have been ongoing after German shot-stopper Schwolow spent last term as the main option between the sticks, but he has requested a return closer to home, and will join Bundesliga side Mainz next month. Craig Gordon has retired while Zander Clark, Ryan Fulton, Harry Stone and Liam McFarlane are all goalkeepers under contract at Hearts with Schwolow available for selection until his transfer is made official on August 1st.
Vrancken's squad for the two-legged Champions League second round qualifier versus Sturm Graz on July 21 and July 28 has been announced with new signings Josh McPake, Amadou Ba-Sy, MJ Kamson-Kamara and Reus missing but it can be amended up until Monday night if need be. Laurent Mendy of Forest Green Rovers is a defensive midfield target on Hearts' transfer radar, but speaking after a 2-1 friendly win with Rayo Vallecano at Tynecastle, Vrancken said it's personal matters that have prompted Schwolow's exit. That has ultimately taken precedence as Reus prepares to replace him from August onwards.
Wouter Vrancken on Hearts friendly vs Rayo Vallecano.
“We all know already," Vrancken said when asked how big a player Schwolow can be on Champions League duty. "In his case, everybody's case, it's more than football. It's not about the club. It's not about the team. It's some personal things and sometimes these are maybe more important.”
A double from Amadou Ba-Sy sealed victory for the Jambos in their final warm-up game ahead of Sturm Graz. Vrancken believes it was a good test that sets his side up nicely for the competitive season to begin next week.
“It was a good test and we played a good game I think,” Vrancken said. “We showed almost everybody to the fans. Mission accomplished today. Also the win, you want to always win. Also the friendlies. This has to give some confidence to the Sturm Graz game.”
“We have to manage it. Guys who could handle the 90 minutes, it was better to give them the 90 minutes against Arbroath. Because you have one week towards the Sturm Graz game. When you do it today, four days, it's more risky towards the Sturm Graz game to be ready. The guys who could handle it had their minutes in Arbroath.”