Hearts set to tie up Aussie starlet

HEARTS are set to tie up rising Australian star Matthew Park, the Evening News can reveal.

The 17-year-old impressed on trial recently at the club's Riccarton academy and has seen his efforts rewarded with a two-and-a-half year contract.

The versatile midfielder has returned home to Melbourne but will complete the formalities of his move, which will keep him in Gorgie until the summer of 2008, when he heads back to Edinburgh early next month.

"Matthew did very well when he was over here on trial and everything is in place for the deal to be completed," said Hearts' youth academy director John Murray. "He has gone back home to Australia but will be back here next month at which point the deal will be formally completed."

Park, who plays for Frankston in his homeland, featured for his country in the recent Under-17 World Cup in Peru.

Along with compatriot Jamie Cumming, he was brought to Tynecastle by former Hearts star Dave McPherson who, in his role as an agent, works closely with Australia-based Lou Sticca.

Park is desperate to follow in the footsteps of fellow-countryman Patrick Kisnorbo, who did well in the SPL before following former boss Craig Levein to Coca-Cola Championship outfit Leicester City.

"Matthew looks a very promising footballer," said McPherson.

"He showed up pretty well when he was over on trial and there is no doubt that he has a lot of potential. This will be a great opportunity for him."

With the opening of the transfer window just days away, Park will not be the only new face to arrive at Hearts in the weeks ahead.

Boss Graham Rix is working feverishly to strengthen his squad as he bids to keep the pressure on Celtic in the SPL championship race.

He is in daily contact with owner Vladimir Romanov and chairman Roman Romanov about new signings and remains confident he will be successful in his recruitment drive.

Portuguese midfielder Bruno Aguiar is set to arrive on trial shortly with a view to winning a permanent move to the Jambos. And the 24-year-old, who has failed to make an impression since signing for Benfica, is determined to do what he can to win a switch to the title-chasing Gorgie side.

"My objective is to play for Hearts and help them go for the league championship," he said.

"This move will be great for my career."

The strong-tackling midfield star is similar in style to former Hearts star Scott Severin, who has been linked with a return to Tynecastle at the end of his current deal with Aberdeen.

Reports have claimed that the Dons boo-boys have forced him out of Pittodrie but today boss Jimmy Calderwood claimed there is still a "50-50" chance of him signing a new deal.

Leicester boss Levein has already ruled out a move for the Scotland man.

Taken from the Scotsman