Mehdi Taouil fearing Italian slog

Hearts flew to Italy today to undertake a gruelling pre-season training regime - and recent signing Mehdi Taouil admits he is apprehensive about the prospect.

Taouil, 28, became Jim Jefferies' fourth summer signing when he arrived in Edinburgh from Kilmarnock.

The Tuscany resort of Il Ciocco was the destination of choice by Jefferies when he and Taouil were at Rugby Park together, so the Moroccan midfielder knows only too well the punishing schedule he and his new team-mates will face. It's not something all the players are looking forward to," said Taouil. "But, you have to do it - it's pre-season. Being in Italy before, I can tell you it's really not easy.

"Running up the hill and back down the hill - it's really hard.

"No time for sunbeds and, if you have time to rest, you have to think about how you will be running the next day. It's really hard."