Hearts youngster Lewis Moore claims his Tynecastle career is ‘over’ after being sent out on loan to Arbroath.
The 22-year-old, who joined the Gorgie outfit at the age of nine, has been informed by senior management he is surplus to requirements despite having more than a year left to run on his current deal.
Moore was a first team regular under Daniel Stendel last season but has made just one appearance, in the Betfred Cup, since Robbie Neilson arrived back at the club from Dundee United.
The midfielder, who has also spent time out on loan at Cowdenbeath, Falkirk and Forfar Athletic, was called into the Scotland under-21 squad last year, but missed out on the opportunity to link up with the side due to the coronavirus pandemic
Moore has made two appearances for the Red Lichties since arriving on transfer deadline day, but was an unused substitute for Saturday’s win over Dunfermline.
However he is now set to leave the club in the close season, regardless of whether they continue their current march to the Championship title.
“I had a feeling right from the start this season. I’d be playing 20 minutes in a first-team friendly and then I’d be in the reserves for their pre-season games,” he told the Edinburgh Evening News.
“The writing was on the wall, then there was that meeting last month.
“There’s no point in me sitting crying about it. I just need to get out there. Hearts isn’t the be-all-and-end-all. It doesn’t matter if I score ten goals, it’s just not going to be.”
Czech stopper Bobby Zlamal and French midfielder Loic Damour are also set to leave Tynecastle in the summer window after being told they were free to find new clubs in January.
