Hearts new boy Hamill stakes his claim for full-back berth

Hearts star Jamie Hamill has stolen a march on his rivals for the hotly contested right-back slot after impressing manager Jim Jefferies.

Hamill posted a spirited all- action shift in the friendly against German club Ludwigsfelder FC last night, just hours after fellow full-back Jason Thomson joined newly promoted Dunfermline Athletic on loan until the new year.

Former Kilmarnock man Hamill could be a "real asset", says Jefferies, if he can replicate similar form in future. "Jamie Hamill was up and down that pitch all night," said Jefferies. "One or two decisions in his final ball should have been better, but if he keeps going like that and improves on that side he's going to be a real asset."

Craig Thomson was the most consistent presence on the right side of a back four last season, but is currently serving a suspension by Hearts, while Darren Barr has occasionally strayed from his more natural position of centre-back to play out wide.