Jamie's one for Hearts' future says Laszlo

The 22-year-old is currently on Scotland Under-21 duty for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers against Slovenia and Denmark and is certain to start both matches.

However, at club level, he must challenge Janos Balogh to dislodge the Slovakian goalkeeper Marian Kello, who has looked comfortable in three first-team games for Hearts.

MacDonald returned from a loan spell with Queen of the South intending to mount a serious first-team challenge this season, but Laszlo believes he will progress in time with more experience.

"We have three good goalkeepers and Jamie MacDonald is part of the squad. He is one for the future," the manager told the Evening News. "We have Kello and Balogh also and they are making a good competition, but Jamie is young and I think to play in the first team at the moment you must have not only ability but also experience.

"I was satisfied with Jamie against Rangers and I have also been pleased with Kello. He has not made a mistake and so he can stay in the team.

"When I first came to this club we had only one goalkeeper and now we have three. I am pleased about this and I am pleased with Jamie's attitude. He can stay in the squad and get more experience."

Asked if there was a possibility of MacDonald augmenting his experience with another loan spell, Laszlo replied: "He will stay at the club and challenge the other goalkeepers, I am happy to have three good goalkeepers in the squad."

Two reserve players did leave on loan yesterday as transfer deadline day passed with relative tranquility at Tynecastle. Craig Sives joined First Division Queen of the South whilst John Armstrong departed for Third Division Cowdenbeath, both on six-month loans.

Hearts had attempted to reinforce their striking options with moves for Derek Riordan and Alan Gow, but neither move came to fruition. Riordan made a return to Hibs while Gow opted to join Blackpool.

Taken from the Scotsman