John Rankin has admitted that Hearts youngster Connor Smith is unlikely to return to Hamilton on loan again this season as he expects him to be playing Premiership football.
The 21-year-old had a promising season on loan at New Douglas Park, despite their relegation to League One, writes Football Scotland.
Rankin added that he would love to have the player back in his ranks at the Lanarkshire club as he aims to take his side straight back up to the Championship.
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Smith made 18 appearances since his January arrival but had also played for the Jambos under Robbie Neilson before that decision was made.
That's why Rankin reckons the midfielder will be able to, again, make the step up to play in Steven Naismith's first-team which would rule him out of Accies' transfer bracket.
He said: "I love Connor, I think we all saw what potential Connor has, but I imagine he will go back to Hearts on a new contract.
"He’s one of their players with real potential, a Scotland under-21 international, and we saw his quality when he came in.
"I’ve known Connor since he was 14, seen how he has developed, and he has huge potential.
"I would love to have him, but I don’t think it’s right to speak about a player that is potentially going to play in the Premiership this season for Hearts."
