Robbie Neilson will give Loic Damour a chance to revive his Hearts career this season

Hearts will give midfielder Loic Damour a chance this season.

French midfielder Loic Damour will be given a chance to revitalise his Hearts career under manager Robbie Neilson.

He is 12 months into a four-year contract and Neilson explained today that he is willing to give the player opportunities this season.

Provided he impresses during pre-season training, the 29-year-old could re-establish himself in the team after a difficult first season at Tynecastle Park.

He was signed on a long-term deal from Cardiff City by former Hearts manager Craig Levein last August but did not live up to expectations in his 21 appearances.

Neilson told the Evening News that he is not closing the door on a potential revival for Damour.

“Loic had a difficult season last year. He admitted that himself,” said Neilson. “He has come in to do pre-season and we will assess him like everyone else. If he does really well, there will be an opportunity there for him.

“We give him every opportunity, of course. It’s important we look at everybody because last year was very difficult for everyone. There have been a lot of changes going on and it’s a chance for people to impress.

“We have a long pre-season for them to impress in and they will all get opportunities. Loic is no different.”

Sean Clare, Callumn Morrison and Bobby Burns have left Hearts in recent weeks, with Conor Washington to follow if Charlton Athletic complete a deal to sign him.

Neilson is assessing others at the moment after his squad resumed contact training on Monday.

"It’s early days at the moment. Monday was the first day of contract training. Last week was all non-contact and distanced training. It’s quite hard to get a real look at players under those circumstances,” he said.

“You need to get into full-size games and get everyone involved. The boys have all come back in decent condition. We have technically very good players and we will assess them over the next couple of weeks.”

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