East Fife 0-3 Hearts: Hearts deal fit for a Prince

Silk purse out of a Sows ear: Osman Sow dispossesses East Fifes keeper Allan Fleming to score Hearts third goal. Photograph: Craig Foy

Scorers: Hearts - Buaben (25), Oliver (34), Sow (59)

The former Dundee United midfielder, who also featured in outings against Dinamo Bucharest and Hamilton, celebrated his imminent move to the club with a goal in yesterday’s 3-0 win at East Fife.

Neilson also ran the rule over released Crystal Palace striker Osman Sow in Methil and the Swede did his chances of landing a deal no harm after netting the third.

After the game, Neilson, who also saw Gary Oliver get on the score sheet, said he is on the verge of reuniting Buaben with one-time Tannadice team-mate and central midfield partner Morgaro Gomis on a permanent basis.

He said: “I thought Prince did well again. We’re trying to get something sorted but it’s not over the line yet.

“We’re speaking to his agent and he has a year on the table just now. Hopefully we can get something done by Monday or Tuesday.

“One, he is a good player, two he is a good character and three, he has that relationship with Morgaro, which makes a massive difference. He is one of those guys that if you tell him to do something, he’ll do it for you.”

On 24-year-old marksman Sow, Neilson added: “Osman is being assessed. We had heard some reports on him and he got put forward to us.

“I just wanted to get him here and have a look at him in the flesh, and see what kind of character he is too.”

Hearts bossed the Bayview encounter from the first to last whistle and Sow had a chance to make a good impression after earning himself a free-kick on the edge of the box following a forceful run.

But the trialist’s effort with the outside of his left boot was that bad that it just about hit the corner flag.

He did, however, play his part in Hearts’ opening goal after 25 minutes. Billy King slammed a low shot off the post from inside the box from Sow’s lay-off and Buaben hit the rebound into the net past grounded goalkeeper Allan Fleming.

After having an effort ruled out for offside, Oliver was not to be denied in the 34th minute when he got his headed in King’s corner.

Fleming prevented Hearts from adding to their lead after parrying an Alim Öztürk effort from close range before keeping out Kevin McHattie’s fierce free-kick from 20 yards.

Hearts continued to impress after the break and Sow got his reward for a workmanlike performance when he scored after 59 minutes.

Home goalkeeper Fleming wanted too much time for a pass back and Sow pounced to flick the ball into the net.

Sow was then denied by Fleming from close range after being set up following a powerful run by Gomis.