Marcel Langer: Daniel Stendel reveals when new midfielder could make Hearts debut

German midfielder signed on Friday but was not involved at St Johnstone

Marcel Langer could make his Hearts debut on Wednesday. Pic: Heart of Midlothian FC

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel hopes new midfielder Marcel Langer will be ready for a debut against Kilmarnock on Wednesday night.

A deadline-day arrival from Schalke 04, the 22-year-old has not played any first-team football this season after turning out at reserve level in Germany.

He signed a contract until the end of the season with Hearts but Stendel opted not to include him in the squad for Saturday's 3-3 draw at St Johnstone.

Stendel hopes extra training time with new colleagues will see Langer ready for some involvement against Kilmarnock at Tynecastle Park. He is confident that, once fully fit, the player will prove a shrewd acquisition in central midfield.

"We decided on Friday that he would not play. He trained with us for the first time and it was good for him to get the first impressions with the players on the field.

"This week we have more training sessions so maybe he will be in the squad for Wednesday," the manager told the Evening News.

"It was a long process to bring him over but he looked positive and I think he can help us. He is an intelligent player, especially in the centre midfield position.

"The centre of midfield is our brain in every situation - in possession, out of possession. I think Marcel can control the game and influence the speed of the game."