By Barry Anderson
Copyright scotsman
Hearts enjoyed a narrow 1-0 win against Scottish Championship side Ayr United this afternoon as Derek McInnes gave a number of first-team players game time. The friendly match took place behind closed doors at Tynecastle Park and was settled by a solitary James Wilson goal on 80 minutes, the teenager eager to impress after being left out of the Hearts squad Ibrox last weekend. Ayr United fielded strong team including first-team regulars as they, like Hearts, do not play this weekend due to the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals. Hearts started with Harry Stone in goal, plus Christian Borchgrevink, Michael Steinwender, Jamie McCart and Stephen Kingsley in defence. Midfield was Sabah Kerjota, Tomas Magnausson, Sander Kartum and Calem Nieuwenhof, with Wilson and Pierre Landry Kabore in attack. Norwegian right-back Borchgrevink was replaced at half-time as he works towards full fitness following a thigh injury sustained last month. Alan Forrest and Blair Spittal featured in the second half alongside youngsters Callum Sandilands, Keir McMeekin and Gregor Crookston. Wilson played 89 minutes and left the field pleased at scoring the only goal of the afternoon. The 18-year-old did not make the substitutes bench for Hearts’ 2-0 victory over Rangers in Glasgow on Saturday, although he remains a part of the plans under head coach Derek McInnes. Hearts are keen to see Borchgrevink available for first-team games again and he is pushing to be ready to face Falkirk in the Premiership a week on Saturday. With Irishman Oisin McEntee struggling with a foot complaint, Borchgrevink’s return would ease the pressure in the right-back department. McInnes watched the Ayr game and will have been happy to see Borchgrevink return to action without suffering any setbacks. For Wilson, the opportunity to play 90 minutes will be valuable and he tries to force his way back into the squad for the Falkirk fixture. He is competing with Lawrence Shankland, Claudio Braga, Elton Kabangu and Kabore for attacking places. With Kenneth Vargas returning to Costa Rican club CS Herediano in a loan move, there is one less body challenging for game time. Hearts and Herediano officials negotiated Vargas’ loan agreement over the last few days and the deal was announced by the Heredia province club in a statement late on Tuesday evening. It read: “Club Sport Herediano announces that Kenneth Vargas is returning to the team as a new addition for the 2025 Apertura Tournament. After his time in Scottish football with Heart of Midlothian, Vargas returns to the red and yellow jersey to defend the colors of Herediano. Welcome back home, Kenneth!” Hearts issued a statement on Wednesday morning confirming Vargas has gone. It read: “We can confirm that Kenneth Vargas has returned to Costa Rica to complete a short-term loan move, subject to SFA approval and international clearance. The forward will join CS Herediano until January 2026. Everyone at Hearts wishes Kenneth well during his time in Costa Rica.” READ MORE: Fresh injury concerns for Hearts READ MORE: Hearts take a stance on Cammy Devlin’s contract
