Hearts sign Peter Enckelman on short-term contract

HEARTS have signed former St Johnstone goalkeeper Peter Enckelman on a short-term contract in a bid to solve their goalkeeping headache.

Enckelman, 35, has agreed a six-month deal that sees him at Tynecastle until January, with the experienced Finnish international brought in to provide some much-needed cover between the sticks.

Earlier this week, back-up keeper Mark Ridgers was ruled out for three months after damaging knee ligaments whilst on international duty for Scotland Under-21s, with John McGlynn revealing that first-choice stopper Jamie MacDonald’s partner is a week overdue in giving birth. 18-year-old Jack Hamilton was promoted to the first team squad following the injury to Ridgers but Enckelman is expected to go straight into the squad to face Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Enckelman, whose previous clubs include Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa, told the Hearts website: “I’m really excited to be back involved and coming to a club like Hearts is great.”