Hearts talent becomes instant hero after Jambos loan exit as Tynecastle ally helps set up Rangers opportunity
The Hearts players are set to get a chance to take on Rangers next month.
A Hearts talent became an instant hero at his loan club, as he and a clutch of Jambo allies get set for a shot at Rangers in the Scottish Cup.
Stranraer stunned Championship side Queen’s Park 6-5 on penalties in the final fourth round tie of this year’s competition, with the huge prize of an away day in Govan on offer to the victor. It would provide major financial boosts for either team, the Spiders defeating Rangers last season at Ibrox, but it’s the League Two outfit who will meet Danny Rohl’s men this year.
That’s in part down to goalkeeper Lyndon Tas, who was announced as a loan signing from Hearts just minutes before team sheets were posted online. The teenager has featured for Hearts’ ‘B’ team in the Lowland League and arrived as Josh Lane was recalled by Hamilton Accies.
What happened during Stranraer vs Queen’s Park
Fellow Jambos loanee Dom Plank - who has spent most of the season with Chris Aitken’s side - netted an equaliser for Stranraer after Queen’s had gone in front before the game made it to penalty kicks after extra-time. Tas then saved a penalty to allow Lewis Hunter to fire home and win the shootout.
Another Hearts loanee in Matthew Gillies started the game and all three are now set for an opportunity against one of their parent club’s rivals in the Premiership title race, as is Hibs talent Dean Cleland, who’s also on loan at Aitken’s team A Stranraer statement pre-match read: “We are delighted to announce the loan signing of Hearts goalkeeper Lyndon Tas.
“The Jambos shot-stopper has represented both England and Scotland at youth level and goes straight into tonight’s squad. The club would like to thank Shelly and everyone at Heart of Midlothian for their help in making this move possible Welcome to the Blues, Lyndon!”
Why did Hearts players join Stranraer?
Stranraer’s tie with Rangers is a likely candidate to be televised and takes place on the weekend of February 7th. Despite Hearts’ shootout elimination to Falkirk, other loaned out players like Harry Stone at Airdrie and Kenzi Nair of Spartans will continue to have the chance to progress in the Scottish Cup after those sides won their ties to set up fifth round clashes against St Mirren and Dundee United respectively.
Speaking on Gillie and Plank’s loans to Stranraer, Hearts ‘B’ team boss Angus Beith said earlier this season: "I'm delighted for both of them. It's the next step for them having played a lot of games for the B Team over the last couple of seasons. Stranraer were keen on both players. It wasn't a case of the club trying to find them a loan, Stranraer came to us and asked for Matty and Dom specifically, which shows that they've watched them, they want them and they feel they can improve their team.
"Hopefully our two lads can go in there and give them a lift. Firstly, get the experienced players and coaches onside and earn their trust, which is an important part when you go on loan and then impact the team in a positive way. So, we're really looking forward to seeing how they perform outwith their own environment."