There are several options at his disposal and Wouter Vrancken will soon have to pick who starts for him in his first game as Hearts head coach.
The Jambos face Sturm Graz in Austria next week during the first leg of their Champions League second round qualifier that precedes a return meeting at Tynecastle seven days later. A range of pre-season friendlies against St Mirren, Kilmarnock, Livingston, Arbroath and Rayo Vallecano have been used to build fitness and determine who best fits the Belgian’s tactical plans.
New signings have been made in plentiful supply but the likes of Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, Marc Leonard, Beni Baningime, Michael Steinwender and Frankie Kent have all departed the team who finished second in the Premiership last season. There are plenty of players for Vrancken to choose from but who will get the nod when action gets going? We have assessed the current options in Gorgie to try and work out who will fit into what could be the club’s strongest XI as things stand right now. Here are our selections.
1. Goalkeeper
Alexander Schwolow is the interim number one at Tynecastle as things stand after his August 1 exit was penned in and Beau Reus' arrival. Craig Gordon has retired, Liam McFarlane has been on loan to Partick Thistle and Harry Stone has already joined Ayr United for the season. Ryan Fulton and Zander Clark will play back-up but the latter did end up on loan at Doncaster Rovers last season amid a search for regular games. Regardless, Hearts are well stocked here, but Reus looks to be the main man for this term. | SNS Group
2. Right-back.
Jordi Altena has been the go-to player in this position so far in pre-season. He is an attack-minded star but Vrancken's system puts an emphasis on playing front-footed so it should suit him more than work under predecessor Derek McInnes. Christian Borchgrevink might play more than he did in his first term but chances may be limited still. | SNS Group
3. Centre-back
There are several options in this position. With Craig Halkett's long-term injury to consider, there is Malachi Fagan-Walcott, MJ Kamson-Kamara, Jamie McCart and Stuart Findlay to select from as natural options. Oisin McEntee was an eye-catching ball player in this role against Livingston but Vrancken sees him in midfield. Fagan-Walcott looks a stick-on as the more athletic option who can cover behind Altena while an emphasis on ball-playing may see McCart nudge ahead of Findlay. A coin toss on the left-hand-side. | SNS Group
4. Left-back
A possible captain in this Hearts team? Milne has worn the armband in a couple of the friendlies and looks certain to be the starter when fit and available here. May seek to use it as a platform to Scotland contention under a new manager after talk of call-ups last term. Stephen Kingsley will provide experienced cover. | SNS Group