Hearts to open talks with Swedish goalkeeper Viktor Noring

Hearts trialist goalkeeper Viktor Noring impressed against Cowdenbeath. Picture: Ross Parker/SNS

The former Malmo and Heerenveen stopper has been on trial with for the Past two weeks as Neilson seeks to add to his goalkeeping options which at the moment consist of Jack Hamilton and player/coach Paul Gallacher.

While impressed by Noring’s displays in training, Neilson was keen to see the 25-year-old in action during a match, and gave him the full 90 minutes against Cowdenbeath yesterday.

He was beaten by a Kris Renton strike in the first-half – cancelled out by Dario Zanatta penalty - nevertheless, the Hearts boss was satisfied by a cool and composed display in Fife.

Neilson said: “I thought Viktor commanded his box well, came for crosses, was good with his feet and showed some decent shot-stopping.

“He did well, I was really pleased with him.

“Is there an interest in doing something? Yes, we are going to speak about it and see his thoughts on things.

“Obviously we would need to come to terms and things, but it is a discussion we will have.”

Neilson was also buoyed by the return to action of Don Cowie, who sat out Thursday’s 2-1 win over FC Infonet in the Europa League as he recovers from a persistent calf strain.

The Scotland international played the full 90 minutes and was one of Hearts’ more impressive performers.

Neilson added: “It was really pleased with a lot of things. It was great to have Igor Rossi and Don Cowie back.

“That was Don’s first 90 minutes in a while, which is pleasing. But we won’t be rushing him. He had an issue with his calfs and, reporting back for pre-season, it was still aggravating him. So we are just making sure we get everything absolutely right.”

Neilson, meanwhile, is hopeful Robbie Muirhead will return to training at the start of next week with a view to playing some part in the second leg against FC Infonet in Tallinn on Wednesday.

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