Neilson eyes foreign tests for Hearts

Hearts are trying to arrange friendly matches during the winter break to keep players match fit, head coach Robbie Neilson revealed today. Tynecastle officials are contacting foreign clubs who are due to hold training camps in Scotland in January.

Robbie Neilson hopes to arrange friendles for Hearts during the winter break. Pic: Ian Georgeson

The Ladbrokes Premiership stops for four weeks at the end of December and Hearts are keen to keep fitness levels high amongst their squad. Neilson explained that they are open to bounce games or official 
friendlies depending on the wishes of their potential 
opponents.

Neilson has decided to keep his players in Edinburgh to make use of the Oriam performance centre at Riccarton and thus plans to arrange games close to home if possible.

“It’s something we’re looking at just now so we’re trying to get some games arranged,” he told the Evening News. “We’re staying at the academy during the break because the facilities are great here.

“We’ll look to get a couple of friendlies arranged to keep us going. So far this season, it’s been a wee bit stop-start with international breaks and 
fixtures getting moved.

“There will be a couple of 
foreign teams over here on their winter breaks so we’re trying to source some games just now.”