MCALLISTER'S OFF BUT ELLIOT LOAN DEAL IN DOUBT

JAMIE McALLISTER has finally completed his move to Bristol City from Hearts.

But Jambos striker Calum Elliot will not be allowed to leave Tynecastle on loan if Valdas Ivanauskas leads his side into the group stage of the Champions League.

Scotland full-back McAllister, 28, was allowed to quit on a free after losing his place in the squad to Takis Fyssas.

He joined up with his new team-mates yesterday for the first time as he prepares for life at Ashton Gate in League One. He said: "I can play in several positions but first and foremost I just want to challenge for a first-team place."

City boss Gary Johnson said: "Jamie can play at leftback, as a left-sided midfielder or even as a holding midfielder centrally. He's a versatile player and that's the reason we've brought him here."

But Scotland Under-19 star Elliot will not be following McAllister out of Tynecastle, albeit temporarily, if the Jambos win through to play with Europe's elite this season.

Hearts are willing to allow Elliot to develop on loan as his first-team chances are limited with Michal Pospisil, Roman Bednar and Edgaras Jankauskas all ahead of him in the pecking order.

SPL rivals Motherwell and Dunfermline have already made approaches but Ivanauskas will keep Elliot for the season if they make the Champions League because he knows he needs greater cover in the squad.

Meanwhile, Hearts plan to capitalise on their new-found popularity by opening a city store to sell official merchandise.

The Tynecastle club have secured a lease for a shop in the St James Centre at the east end of Princes Street.

News they are planning to add to their solitary superstore, based at the stadium, comes on the back of figures that show the latest home kit has become their most successful with sales up 60 per cent on last summer.

Hearts commercial director Ali Russell said: "Expanding our retail operations has been our aim for a considerable time and so we're therefore extremely pleased to be able to make this announcement.

"Our general retail manager Stephen McMenemy will lead the project and with it a significant recruitment drive."

Taken from the Daily Record