Hearts set sights on ex-Livi hotshot Rory Boulding

By COLLEEN STRACHAN
Published on 04/07/2012 12:00

JOHN McGLYNN is a step closer to making his first signing for Hearts after taking hotshot Rory Boulding on trial.

The former Livingston striker caught McGlynn’s eye last season after seeing him net an impressive hat-trick in a league game against his old club Raith Rovers. The 23-year-old joined up with the Hearts squad for their first day of pre-season training on Monday, although he is also believed to be attracting the attention of Kilmarnock.

Livingston manager John Hughes had been keen to hang onto Boulding after a fruitful campaign up front but the Englishman turned down a new contract with the Lions at the end of last season.

Hughes had pushed the player from the middle of the park to a more attacking role and that saw both Boulding and the team reap the benefits.

The former Bradford City and Accrington Stanley player scored 12 goals in 29 games during his season-long stay at the West Lothian club.

And Boulding scored ten of those goals in his final eight games with Livingston, propelling the player to the top of many teams’ wanted lists. Boulding moved to Scotland from Accrington Stanley at the start of the 2011/12 campaign, and also had spells with Hucknall Town, Ilkeston Town and Mansfield Town. Hearts are keen to strengthen their attacking options following the departure of Craig Beattie, Stephen Elliott and Gary Glen, who all left at the end of last season, while David Obua and Calum Elliot have also moved on over the past few months, and Boulding could fit the bill for McGlynn.

Meanwhile former Hearts midfielder Grant Murray has been confirmed as the new Raith Rovers manager following McGlynn’s departure for Tynecastle.

The 36-year-old, who will still be registered as a player, had already been involved in coaching at Stark’s Park and has put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

Paul Smith will continue in his role as assistant manager, while long-serving defender Laurie Ellis has become first-team player/coach.

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