Driver’s loan hopes hit by Hearts fee demands

ANDY DRIVER’S hopes of resurrecting his career by leaving Hearts on loan have suffered a setback due to the club’s unexpected demand for a loan fee.

The 24-year-old winger is keen to leave Tynecastle to play regularly having found himself out of favour under manager Paulo Sergio. Driver and his advisors expected that any loan agreement would not include a fee, however Hearts have told interested clubs that an initial payment would be required to facilitate a short-term move.

Driver is frustrated by a lack of playing opportunities under Sergio having been fit and available for selection for the last two months. The Portuguese coach does not appear to rate the player and he is regularly omitted from matchday squads. He has managed just five minutes of first-team football in the last two months and hasn’t started a league match since the Edinburgh derby victory over Hibs on August 28.

A move is seen as essential to revitalise Driver’s career following a series of injury problems. He is keen to test himself in the English Championship but a move now seems unlikely unless Hearts are willing to forego a loan fee.

Officials at Tynecastle had indicated Driver could leave on loan but are keen to secure as much revenue as possible to help alleviate financial problems. He is one of the highest earners at Tynecastle on a contract which runs until 2013.