Hearts target Boulding opts for Killie trial

The former Livingston striker is a free agent after knocking back the offer of a new contract from the Lions at the end of last season.

New Tynecastle boss John McGlynn had invited the 23-year-old to join his first-team squad when they reported back for pre-season training at the beginning of last week so that he could take a closer look at him.

But Boulding now has the opportunity to impress Rugby Park manager Kenny Shiels and the ex-Bradford man could feature in the Ayrshire club’s first pre-season fixture against Livingston this weekend.

The hitman had caught  McGlynn’s eye when he scored 12 goals – including a hat-trick against Raith Rovers – in the First Division last season.

While Boulding’s future would appear to lie elsewhere though, Hearts have insisted that there is still a chance Rudi Skacel could be pulling on a maroon jersey again.

It had been thought that the Czech would be moving on for pastures new after the striker said that he would relish a new challenge but the Tynecastle outfit are keen to talk to him about a return that would  delight Jambos fans.

However, a spokesman  admitted that Hearts are, like every other club in the country, having to cut their cloth to suit, saying: “Rudi has been a great ambassador for the club both on and off field and naturally we would be interested in the prospect of retaining his  services.

“The financial climate however has changed for most clubs in recent seasons and any agreement that could be reached would need to suit both Rudi and the club for it to be truly mutually beneficial.

“We would not rule anything out at this stage but whatever we do will have to give due consideration to the current financial uncertainty in football in Scotland and elsewhere at present.”

Meanwhile tickets for Hearts’ pre-season friendly against the English League Two side, Rotherham United, on Saturday 28 July, went on sale this morning.

The match at the New York Stadium is all-ticket and briefs will cost £12 for adults and £6 for concessions.

The game kicks off at 2pm and there will be no cash gate open on the day, so supporters without a ticket are advised not to travel.

Tickets are available direct from the ticket centre at Tynecastle, or by calling: 0871 663 1874.