Jim Jefferies excited by Danny Grainger

HEARTS manager Jim Jefferies has hailed dead-ball expert Danny Grainger for making an eye-catching start to his Tynecastle career - and insists the new arrival can play alongside Lee Wallace.

Left-back Grainger was signed from St Johnstone earlier this summer as cover for Scotland defender Wallace, who has been the subject of failed bids from Rangers.

But the 24-year-old staked a claim for regular action with two well-executed free-kicks in recent friendlies against East Fife and German minnows Ludwigsfelder.

Even though both players are natural full-backs, Jefferies admits Grainger's versatility could prove beneficial in the Europa League when he could opt for a more cautious approach.

Jefferies said: "Danny's a young lad and he's got good years ahead of him.

"He's similar to Lee in terms of strength, being able to get up and down the pitch, and both of them have got a great left foot.

"I said that if anything happened to Lee injury-wise, or if any big offer was made and it was accepted, then Danny would be a ready-made replacement - and it also puts Lee under pressure.

"Danny can also play a bit further forward in certain games where you might need to do that, especially with the European games coming up.

"Sometimes when you get tough matches away from home you need that player to even play with Lee up and down that left-hand side, depending on the opposition.

"Danny's settling in and doing well and the goals that he's scored in the last couple of games will do his confidence good."

Hearts, meanwhile, wrap up their brief two-game tour of Germany today with a friendly against second-tier side Union Berlin.