MacPhee returns to Riccarton as Hearts continue manager search

Austin MacPhee is back to take charge at Hearts today

Hearts interim manager Austin MacPhee returns to Riccarton today to resume control of the club's preparations for Saturday's Premiership visit to Kilmarnock.

With the search for a permanent manager ongoing, MacPhee has been on international duty with Northern Ireland for the last week but will be back in time for today's first-team training session.

Fellow coaches Donald Park, Jon Daly and Liam Fox took charge whilst MacPhee was away for Northern Ireland's European Championship qualifiers against Netherlands and Germany.

He travelled back from last night's match in Frankfurt ready to resume club duties as Hearts try to build on their previous result, a 5-2 victory over St Mirren which lifted them off the bottom of the league.

Owner Ann Budge is continuing her pursuit of a new manager and sporting director but MacPhee is expected to stay in charge for the Kilmarnock match.

His interim role may even continue into December, for Budge is keen to take time and ensure the next manager she appoints is the correct choice.

She interviewed Stuart McCall, Neil McCann, Steve Cotterill and Jack Ross last week. There were also talks with Alan Irvine, the former West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End manager.

Ross has since been named manager of Hibs, and Hearts plan to speak with more potential candidates before the end of the month.