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

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.

Jason Thomson is now out of the running to stake his claim as the Jambos' right-back until the new year, having joined former Tynecastle men Austin McCann and Andy Kirk in Dunfermline's bid for survival in the SPL.

Thomson, who will turn 24 this month, broke into the Hearts first team squad six years ago, but has failed to maintain a place in defence.

Last season, Thomson began just three games and now has a year left on his contract.

Hearts assistant manager Billy Brown said: "We have a lot of right backs at the club. Jason has had a few injuries and is at the stage of his career where he needs to play.

"He's a smashing lad, a good professional and we're certainly not counting him out of things here – far from it. We can't speak too highly of him, but he needs regular football and this move suits all three parties."