Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Ben Banks

Hearts predicted XI v Ross County as Shankland and Rowles tipped for instant Gorgie appearance

It is a season of hope and optimism around Gorgie - and Hearts will be hoping to back that up with an opening day win against Ross County.

Manager Robbie Neilson has carried out an intensive run of pre-season friendlies ahead of their Premiership opener at Tynecastle against the Staggies, with a Europa League play-off also looming on the horizon. They won't be getting too far ahead of themselves though with a tough test against Malky Mackay's men, who finished last term in the top six.

Neilson has been getting down to business early doors ahead of the new season and no fewer than six fresh faces have arrived to bolster their ranks. Perhaps the most eye-catching is Scotland international Lawrence Shankland in attack but Australian international Kye Rowles is also expected to be a big hit in defence during their search to replace John Souttar. Edinburgh Live Sport predicts who Hearts go with in Gorgie.

READ MORE: Lawrence Shankland Hearts transfer hailed as he's tipped to beat Celtic and Rangers stars to golden boot

Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

Goalkeeper - Craig Gordon

The veteran goalkeeper is the club's undisputed number one and will start providing there's no injury.

Defence - Halkett, Rowles, Kingsley

We believe it's 3-4-3 for the Jambos and it's a strong defence that backs them up. Rowles is in the centre of it with Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley either side of him.

Midfield - Atkinson, Smith, Haring, Cochrane

Usually a right-back, Smith played in midfield and looked comfortable too during a friendly with Stoke last week. Peter Haring joins him in the middle with Nathan Atkinson and Alex Cochrane as wing-backs.

Attack - McKay, Shankland, Boyce

It's a toss-up between Liam Boyce and Alan Forrest in the three-man attack but we will pick Boyce to pair Shankland for the first time, alongside Barrie McKay.

READ NEXT:

- Hearts transfer update as Jambos keen on 'a few' players but Neilson sends 'take time' message

- Three things we learned as Hearts defeat Stoke City and Shankland scores on Tynecastle welcome

- Premier Sports last 16 draw confirmed as Hearts handed all-Premiership affair at Tynecastle

- Hearts in fixture schedule change as August Premiership clash pushed back 24 hours

- Marc Leonard confirms Brighton transfer exit as former Hearts prospect takes loan chance

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.