Robbie Neilson says Kye Rowles wants to STAY at Hearts and he expects him to remain for a 'good period longer'.
The capital club brought the defender to Tynecastle over the summer and he made a solid start before suffering an injury that ruled him out for an extended period. He made his return pre-World Cup and went on to star for Australia in the finals at Qatar with the Socceroos losing out at the knockout stages against Lionel Messi and Argentina.
The stopper signed a three-year deal on his arrival to Edinburgh and due to injury has only played ten times for his new club since joining. Neilson says the defender knows he still has a lot to do before he can move up to the next level. He believes the 24-year-old wants to continue playing for Hearts and develop his game even further.
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On his World Cup star, Neilson said: “He has done very well and the window is not open yet. Having spoken to Kye, he wants to stay here. He wants to play for the club and he wants to develop further. He has had a quick turnaround since coming in during the summer and then getting to the World Cup and doing so well.
"He realises he still has a lot to do before he can move up again. It's very early in his career here and I expect him to be here for a good period longer, that's for sure. I thought he would do well in Qatar, he’s a really good defender, a good type, a good boy. When you see the calibre of teams he was playing against you knew it would be difficult but I always thought he would do well so I’m pleased for him.”
On if his experiences in Qatar will see him return to Gorgie a better player, Neilson added: "I think he would be. It's the same with anyone going away on international duty. You get that lift when you go and, if you do well, even better.
“Already you can see Kye is in good spirits. He misses the Kilmarnock game through suspension but we knew the calibre of player he was before he went.”
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