Hickey, Pereira, Meshino, Sibbick: How last season's Hearts players are faring this term

With the January transfer window fast approaching it is an appropriate time to look back at last season’s Hearts players to see how they are doing at their new clubs.

Ryotaro Meshino and Aaron Hickey are playing in Portugal and Italy respectively. Picture: SNS

Aaron Hickey – Bologna

The 18-year-old has made the transition from the Scottish Premiership to Serie A seamlessly since his £1.5million transfer. He was one of the few positives at Tynecastle last season and had a number of possible options in the summer but it looks like he chose wisely.

Hickey has made nine appearances for Siniša Mihajlović’s attack-minded side, including a hugely impressive debut in a 4-1 win over Parma. Played as a left wing-back recently against Inter Milan. He is missing square sausage.

Ben Garuccio – Melbourne City

It was a stop-start two years at Tynecastle for the Australian with just 29 appearances since moving from Adelaide United. A cruciate ligament injury limited him to just six outings last campaign.

Joined Melbourne City, runners-up in last season’s A-League, earlier this year. The club are managed by former Hearts star Patrick Kisnorbo. Their season doesn’t start until after Christmas.

Anthony McDonald – Cordoba

Joel Pereira hasn't impressed so far at Huddersfield Town. Picture: SNS

A somewhat surprising move this summer, Hearts fans had hoped they would get to see plenty of McDonald this coming season in the Championship but the player opted for a fresh start in Spain’s third tier.

The 19-year-old is on the mend from a back injury and has yet to feature for his new side.

Clevid Dikamona – Kilmarnock

Eventful is probably the best word to describe the defender's short time at Rugby Park so far. Dikamona is a hugely popular figure amongst Hearts fans with plenty of committed displays and an infectious personality. Many hoped he would re-sign this summer.

Donis Avdijaj promised much but delivered little. Picture: SNS

Instead he pitched up in Ayrshire where he has shown his defensive qualities but also managed to concede a penalty and get sent off in his five appearances so far.

Callumn Morrison – Falkirk

The 21-year-old has been in electric form in League One, winning the club’s November player of the month. He has arguably been the star player in the league, with three goals and six in all competitions for the Bairns.

A knee injury hampered Morrison last season and was told early on by new manager Robbie Neilson he was free to leave if was able to find a new club.

Conor Washington – Charlton Athletic

The Northern Irish international was a big signing last summer by Craig Levein. Showed plenty of endeavour but was injured early on in the season. Netted a couple of goals in the second half of the campaign before being allowed to return to England.

Washington has been in fine form for Charlton Athletic with five goals in 13 league games, playing as a central striker or wide of a front free.

Sean Clare – Oxford United

A player some fans were sad to see go after showing his potential last season as a right-back. But with Michael Smith ahead of him a move to England suited all parties with Oxford United keen to utilise him in his new position.

Clare has started 10 of the U’s 15 league games as they struggle near the bottom of the third tier.

Uche Ikpeazu – Wycome Wanderers

The physical striker was a favourite of Craig Levein’s but fell out of favour under Daniel Stendel. Ikpeazu was fired up to impress under Neilson but along came the option of a move to the English Championship.

It hasn’t been plain sailing. The 25-year-old has made just four sub appearances and is currently recovering from an injury with the Chairboys languishing in 23rd.

Joel Pereira – Huddersfield Town

The on loan Manchester United goalkeeper will be remembered for all the wrong reasons for many years at Tynecastle after a disastrous season. Pereira was culpable for a number of goals last campaign.

He hasn’t fared that much better at Championship club Huddersfield, his only appearance ending in a 4-3 defeat.

Bobby Burns – Barrow

Played just once for Hearts last season before a move to the A-League and a productive spell at Newcastle United Jets. Made the move to Barrow in the summer but was on the move soon again with a loan switch to Glentoran in his homeland.

The Northern Irishman played just three games before fracturing his leg.

Ryotaro Meshino – Rio Ave

There was plenty of hype about the loan signing of the Japanese attacker who Manchester City had bought from Gamba Osaka and immediately loaned to Hearts who even set up a microsite to deal with interest from Japan.

He sparkled intermittently but ultimately didn’t live up to potential. Now on loan in Portugal with top-flight side Rio Ave where he is a squad player.

Toby Sibbick – KV Oostende

A player who could have replaced the Peter Haring hole in the middle of the park during the second half of the season but only played twice due to injury after joining from Barnsley. Is currently on loan at Belgian top-flight side KV Oostende but has yet to feature.

Donis Avdijaj – FC Emmen

Can only be described as a flop after promising so much. Had virtually no impact at Tynecastle Park aside from a couple of woeful free-kicks which infuriated fans. Joined Dutch top-flight side FC Emmen last month and has made three substitute appearances.

Marcel Langer – Free agent

A player who won't live long in the memory. Was sent off for a robust challenge on Scott Brown. Without a club.

Oliver Bozanic – Central Coast

The high point of his Hearts career came right at the end with a sumptuous goal in 3-1 win at Easter Road over Hibs. Left on a free and like Garuccio was signed by an A-League side, joining Central Coast.

Steven MacLean – Retired

Spent the second half of last season on loan at Raith Rovers who he helped to promotion. Now a member of Callum Davidson’s coaching staff at St Johnstone.