Jordan Roberts is set for a fresh start at Hearts after returning from his loan at Motherwell.
The former Inverness CT and Ipswich Town winger signed a two-year deal at Tynecastle last summer but struggled to make the desired impact despite playing regularly.
After falling out of contention for a starting spot, Roberts took the chance to get some Premiership football under his belt by moving on loan to Motherwell.
He seemed to find form in Lanarkshire, the highlight being the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Hibs at Easter Road for the Steelmen.
An injury cut his spell at Fir Park short and meant he reported back for pre-season with Robbie Neilson’s squad injured.
But he’s slowly getting back to full fitness after friendly run outs and Neilson insists last season’s struggles don’t mean anything heading into a new campaign.
“Jordan has done well in pre-season,” he told the Edinburgh Evening News. “He was injured when we first came back because of a wee issue he picked up at Motherwell. He looked good in the game on Saturday but he only played 30 minutes.
“Like everyone in pre-season, they get a chance to impress and get themselves in about the team.
“I think the time at Motherwell benefitted Jordan, just giving him game time. I said previously that he found it quite difficult when he came up to Scotland. He was on his own during lockdown and that made it difficult.
“He has come back and things have opened up a bit, so he seems in a good place.
“I think every season is a fresh start for every player – proving themselves again, getting fit and getting in the team. Jordan is like every other player who comes back in pre-season. If they do well, they will be involved.”
Hearts play another friendly against Bonnyrigg Rise this week before the Premier Sports Cup group stages get underway at Peterhead on Saturday.
It’s likely to be more of a scratch side that plays in Midlothian but one or two more established names such as Roberts and Stephen Kingsley will feature.
Neilson added: “We have a couple of first-team boys needing some game time,” said Neilson.
“Stephen and Jordan both need matches, and there are a few others who could do with a bit extra. Some of the younger boys will join us as well.”
