Hearts boss says Taouil ready to make an impact

HEARTS manager Jim Jefferies has predicted that new signing Mehdi Taouil will thrive at Tynecastle and backed him to handle a step up in class after leaving Kilmarnock on freedom of contract.

Taouil signed a three-year contract with Hearts yesterday and was immediately endorsed as a potential supporters' idol by Jefferies, who signed him at Kilmarnock four years ago. The Moroccan international midfielder is expected to become a major creative influence next season and his arrival takes the number of new recruits at Tynecastle to four alongside John Sutton, Jamie Hamill and Danny Grainger.

"Hearts supporters like to see special talent and he has that in his locker," said Jefferies. "It is a step up to a big club for him, but if we can get him playing at his best he is someone the fans will appreciate. He is something a little different to what we have, and I am confident he will be a good addition to the squad."

Taouil spurned interest from clubs in England and Europe to rejoin Jefferies and his assistant Billy Brown. "He had a few options to join other clubs, but I'm delighted to have got him," continued the manager. "He is strong, a good passer of the ball, and can hold it up well for others. He can also bring us something going forward from midfield."

Meanwhile, Hearts' proposed move for Aberdeen's out-of-contract defender Zander Diamond has collapsed. The player, however, stressed today that he has no fitness issues as he begins searching for a new club.

Medical staff raised concerns over one of Diamond's ankles after a series of scans and the Hearts hierarchy opted not to proceed with his signing. "The longer it dragged on, the more I started to think it wasn't going to happen. In the end, it wasn't a bombshell when Hearts pulled out. But it's made me more determined than ever," said Diamond.

"I am grateful to Jim as he tried and tried to get the deal done. He's as disappointed as I am. Everything he said was positive and I wanted to work with him. But it wasn't meant to be. It's now a closed chapter and I will have to wait and see what the future brings. I don't think you can pick and choose where you go. Better players than me are looking for clubs right now.

"I've played in Scotland for nine years so maybe I need to broaden my horizons and look outwith the SPL. I believe a club will come in for me and I believe I can prove the doubters wrong. I've faced many challenges in my career so far and this is another one to take on. I'll now plan for the future, whether it's in Scotland, England or even abroad.

"I'm not bitter about the way things have gone. Everything happens for a reason. The ankle was passed by the surgeon as clinically fine. Hearts then took a second opinion on the scans. I feel I'm fit and ready to play and to pass a medical anywhere. I don't think there will be any problems."