Robbie Neilson has explained the reason behind Kye Rowles' delayed arrival at Hearts.
The summer recruit was given extra time off after his exploits with the Australia national team as they secured a spot at the World Cup Finals in Qatar later this year following a penalty shootout win over Peru in the play-off final. Hearts team-mate Nathanial Atkinson was also afforded the same period off after also playing a starring role for the Socceroos.
The former Central Coast Mariners stopper was due to arrive at Riccarton last Thursday for his first day with the Jambos back from their pre-season warm-weather camp in Spain as they continue preparations for a massive season ahead, but he was unable to make the trip due to a delay with his work visa. Neilson is hoping to welcome the defender this week with the documentation just needing to arrive with everything already authorised.
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Providing an update to Edinburgh Evening News, Neilson said: “I hope so.
“We’re just waiting for the visa to get delivered.
"It is all authorised. It is just a case that you need to have it in your hand to travel.”
Hearts face four friendlies with English opposition in an 11 day period.
First up is Tranmere Rovers on Wednesday night before games with Crawley Town, Preston North End and Stoke City.
All focus is then on the Scottish Premiership opener with Ross County on July 30 at Tynecastle.
The Jambos also have guaranteed European group stage football to look forward to this term. They enter the Europa League play-off round and will qualify for the group stages with a win over the two-legged tie. But defeat at this stage would see them drop into the competition proper of the Europa Conference League.
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