McGlynn hails Weir decision

INTERIM Hearts boss John McGlynn today welcomed the news that Graham Weir is set to extend his stay with the club.

As we revealed yesterday, the 20-year-old front man is to put pen to paper on a year-long deal this week.

The forward looked ready to walk out of Tynecastle having been offered a six-month contract but his change of mind following further negotiations with the club has delighted McGlynn, who recalled him to the first-team for the Jambos' final home game of the season against Celtic last month.

"It is good news if Graham is going to commit himself to Hearts for another year," said the caretaker boss.

"I obviously know his qualities as he has been here for a while but it will be up to him to impress the new manager when he arrives."

Weir found himself right down the pecking order in the last few months of the season, prompting the Gorgie star to question his future with Hearts.

However, he will be happy to fight for his place next term and McGlynn reckons he can be a valuable member of the squad.

"The new boss will get a committed player in Graham who is just 20 years old," he said. "He is still at a good age to develop and go on and make something of his career in football.

"The last year has been tough for him as he suffered from the mumps quite badly and then Craig Levein left. When John Robertson came in he quite rightly wanted to bring some of his own players to Hearts and the strikers he signed in Lee Miller and Mark Burchill did well for us. John also knew Dennis Wyness well from his time at Inverness so wanted to give him a chance as well.

"With Kevin McKenna sometimes also playing up front, that meant Graham was fourth or fifth choice. But he has the opportunity now to stake his claim and the pre-season matches we have lined up will be important for all the players with a new manager hopefully in charge."

Taken from the Scotsman