Hearts take New Zealand’s James Musa on trial

HEARTS manager Gary Locke has taken the Fulham defender James Musa on trial as he looks to reinforce his defensive options ahead of next season.

The 21-year-old New 
Zealander is comfortable at centre-back or left-back and can also operate in midfield.

Locke is assessing Musa in training at Riccarton this week and the player is willing to consider moving to Scotland after failing to make the breakthrough in the English Premier League.

Born in Plymouth, he joined Fulham on a 12-month contract last summer after representing New Zealand at the 2012 
Olympics. Fulham have the option to extend his contract for another year, but have allowed him to go on trial at Hearts in an effort to secure himself a move.

Meanwhile, Danny Wilson remains a major doubt for Hearts ahead of the 
Edinburgh derby as a persistent thigh injury continues to prevent him training properly. The 20-year-old is receiving intense physiotherapy but, as things stand, is unlikely to face Hibs at Tynecastle on Sunday.

Wilson has missed Hearts’ last two matches against Dundee and St Mirren because of the problem, which Locke had hoped would clear in time for this weekend. He last played against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on April 20.

Locke has Andy Webster free of suspension for the encounter with Hibs and he is expected to return as centre-back. Should Locke be denied the services of Wilson, Webster will be partnered by either Darren Barr or Dylan McGowan in central defence.