Hamill urges ex-Kilmarnock pal Taouil to join him at Hearts

Hamill signed a three-year contract with Hearts on Wednesday after leaving Rugby Park on freedom of contract. He had entered talks with Hibs manager Colin Calderwood but was lured across Edinburgh by the prospect of European football and the chance to work again with Jim Jefferies.

Taouil, the Moroccan internationalist, is also out of contract at Kilmarnock and has also held discussions with Hearts but has yet to decide on his future. Hamill endorsed the midfielder as an exceptional talent who would further improve the Tynecastle squad.

"He would definitely be a good addition," explained Hamill. "He plays in the hole and I've played with him the last four years. He has been exceptional in training, some of the things he does, it's like 'wow'. He and Alexei Eremenko were just different class in training, you probably couldn't separate the two of them with their ability to find a pass. Him coming here would be a big thing to get. I'll get on the phone tonight and tell him to come here!"

Hamill is expected to provide competition for the central midfield and right-back areas at Hearts.

"I'll just take it as it comes. I'm not really too fussed," he admitted.Asked about Hibs' interest, he explained: "I went to the training ground and spoke to the gaffer and things like that. That was the only team that I had gone to speak to, but I had obviously heard a few rumours that there were a few different clubs interested. But as soon as Hearts were the main target then I took a step towards that."