Hearts boss Robbie Neilson completes signing of Jordan Roberts

Jordan Roberts shows off his new colours at Tynecastle after signing for Hearts.

Hearts have completed the signing of former Ipswich Town winger Jordan Roberts on a two-year contract, writes Barry Anderson.

The 26-year-old trained at Riccarton yesterday morning before putting pen to paper to become manager Robbie Neilson’s second summer signing after goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

He arrives as a free agent to add pace in wide areas as Neilson prepares Hearts for a Championship promotion tilt. Gillingham, Salford City, Doncaster Rovers and Scunthorpe United were all keen to capture Roberts’ signature, but he chose a return to Scotland

having played for Inverness during the 2015-16

campaign.

“I’m delighted to get Jordan’s deal over the line,” Neilson told the Hearts website. “He’s got a great CV with plenty of experience in England and he’s played in Scotland too, which is a bonus.

“He’s a pacy winger, very direct and athletic, so I’m sure he will fit into the system that we want to play. I’m looking forward to working with

him and I’m confident he’ll be a great addition to the

squad.”

Roberts, an England Under-23 internationalist, left Ipswich in May when his contract was not renewed. He previously played for Aldershot, Inverness and Crawley Town and spent last season on loan at Gillingham.

At 6ft 1in tall, he is a quick left-sided winger who also carries a physical presence. He attacks opponents and can go inside or outside in order to eliminate a defender.

Neilson wants to add quick and creative wide players to his team, plus a dominant central midfielder, as Hearts prepare for the Championship campaign.

Former Motherwell winger Elliott Frear is also training at Riccarton and that

arrangement is expected to continue.

Hearts have also looked at former Hull City left-back Stephen Kingsley but a deal for the Scotland internationalist looks unlikely at this stage.

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