Robbie Neilson has revealed Euan Henderson will stay at Hearts and be part of the first-team this season.
The 22-year-old - who has progressed through the club academy - has netted in three pre-season matches so far and he will NOT be going out on loan as he deserves a chance to make his mark on the Tynecastle top team. Back in February the hitman signed an extended contract in the capital until next summer and returned to Alloa Athletic on loan.
During his loan stint at the Wasps he netted a stunning 17 goals in 29 appearances and has followed up that fine form with an impressive return in pre-season. Hearts have huge season ahead of them as they juggle domestic and European football. The Jambos are guaranteed at minimum Europa Conference League group stage football with the Gorgie outfit entering the Europa League play-off round. Victory over that two-legged tie and they will enter the tournament proper of Europe's second tier competition, but defeat and they have the parachute and cash boost of the UECL.
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Speaking about his plans for the 22-year-old, Neilson told Edinburgh Evening News : “Hendo will stay right through.
“We have 26 games before the World Cup break [in November], so Hendo will stay with this group because he’s been developing.
"He’s been at Alloa and scored a lot of goals. He’s come in this pre-season and scored goals. The kid needs a chance.”
On the search for added firepower in his attacking ranks, he added: “We’re still on the hunt.
“We’re still looking to get one in and hopefully one will turn up that can improve the squad.
“But Boycey has scored, Hendo has scored. We’ve been doing well, getting goals from midfield, so there are goals in the team.
"It’s just a case of adding a wee bit more to it as well.”
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