Hearts hopes on Kris Boyd dim

Published on 30/05/2013 12:00

HEARTS' hopes of landing Kris Boyd appear to be fading after the striker admitted that he will give Kilmarnock first option on retaining his services.

Boyd revealed that Hearts manager Gary Locke has asked him about a summer move to Tynecastle, but the striker will wait to speak with Rugby Park boss Kenny Shiels before making up his mind on his future.

The former Rangers striker said: "I'm still waiting to speak to Kilmarnock. The manager has been away on holiday. We agreed he'd get his holiday out of the way and then we would speak. We'll see what happens from there.

"I've spoken to Gary Locke at Hearts. He's asked me what I'm doing for next season but I'm not in a position right now to give a yes or no. I'm going to enjoy a break with my family and then I want to know roughly that I'm going back to pre-season on such a date and you're ready to work."

Boyd would provide a real goal threat for the Jambos, who scored just 40 goals in 38 SPL games last season, and the player is not completely ruling out joining the Gorgie frontline.

"He's interested, I know that," Boyd added of Locke's enquiry. "There's a lot of things to talk about. It was a case of 'would you be interested in coming?' Hearts are a big club and I'd be interested in listening. I know there's a few options – there's a couple in England. I will wait and see. It is part and parcel of this time of the season.

"Wherever I go, I need to be playing – it is as simple as that. I've always said I want to get back into the Scotland set-up. The only way I'm going to do that is by playing regular football. I enjoyed that towards the end of the season with Kilmarnock. I want to speak to them again and see what is happening for next year."

Meanwhile Hearts, who had confirmed their participation in a four-team tournament in Northern Ireland at the end of July, will also take on Jim Jefferies' Dunfermline side on Saturday July 13. Four days later they will face Raith Rovers at Starks Park.

Taken from the Scotsman