Craig Beattie opts for trial in South Africa

Scotland cap Craig Beattie has gone on trial in South Africa with Bidvest Wits after failing to agree a new deal at Hearts this summer.

The former Celtic striker began training with the Johannesburg-based club yesterday and is set to spend the week with the top-flight side in the hope of impressing new Spanish head coach Antonio Lopez.

The Students are currently in pre-season training ahead of the start of next month’s ABSA Premiership campaign.

Bidvest chief executive Jose Ferreira said: “Craig is here training with the club, he began training with the team for the first time on Monday morning. The coach will have a look at him over the next few days and then we’ll take it from there.”

Beattie became a cult hero in only three months at Tynecastle after helping the club lift the Scottish Cup in May. The 28-year-old will be best remembered for his winning goal and memorable celebration against Celtic in the semi-final at Hampden.

Beattie scored three goals in nine appearances during his time in Edinburgh. Hearts offered him a new contract but his agent Scott Fisher said both parties were “miles apart” regarding the terms.