New position for Hearts teenager Chris Hamilton as he heads to Dumbarton
Hearts intend to convert teenage defender Chris Hamilton into a holding midfielder after loaning him to Dumbarton to trial the new position.
The 19-year-old has played most of his youth career at centre-back but, at 5ft 8ins tall, could find it difficult to establish himself there at senior level.
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Hide AdHe joined League One Dumbarton on loan until January to begin an experimental midfield role under their manager, Jim Duffy.
The Hearts manager Robbie Neilson explained to the Evening News that the long-term plan is for Hamilton to play there because he has all the necessary attributes.
"Chrissy and I had a good chat about this the other week,” said Neilson. “Dumbarton want to take him down there as a defensive midfielder. He is going there to play in that position, which I think will be great for the kid.
"He is a very good player, he reads the game really well, he is composed and he has a lot of attributes to do well in that position. We are hopeful we can develop him there.”
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Hide AdHamilton spent time on loan at Cowdenbeath last season, playing 20 times, and Berwick Rangers the year before. The move to Dumbarton could be extended beyond January if he impresses Duffy.
“Chris earned very positive reviews from his time with Cowdenbeath last season and we’re looking forward to seeing how he does here,” Duffy told his club’s website this week.
“He's young but he has a real appetite for the game and is determined to push on. That really ticks a box for us and he will increase competition for places.”