Taouil's talent amazes me, says ex-Hearts winger Johnston

Hearts have approached Taouil about defecting to Tynecastle when his Kilmarnock contract expires in June. Johnston, his colleague for two years at Rugby Park, believes the signing would be an incredible coup.

Now 37 and a key player for First Division Queen of the South, Johnston said Taouil's natural ability matches that of anyone he has played with in a career spanning 20 years in Scotland, England, France.

"He's one of the most talented players I've ever played alongside. He has amazing skill and is a really good lad as well," explained Johnston. "The gaffer (Jim Jefferies) and Billy Brown know him well having been at Kilmarnock with him and he'd be a great addition to any team. He's done really well at Kilmarnock and you can see why Hearts are looking at him. I'm surprised a few other teams haven't been looking at him.

"If he gets a chance at Hearts it would be hard to leave him out of the team. I'm sure he'd become a favourite amongst the fans with his style of play. Mehdi responds to that as well. The fans at Killie love him and he takes confidence from it.

"Hearts would be a step up for him. It is a massive club. You see how well they've done this year and that's how it should be. It's good to see them up there challenging again and playing good football."

Taouil, 27, previously played with Nancy and Montpellier in France and the German club Nuremberg before Jefferies lured him to Kilmarnock four years ago. Johnston stressed he would not be overawed by a move to Hearts.

"He's one of those guys who can handle it no problem. He's definitely got the talent and I think he would thrive at a team like Hearts who are more attacking. The gaffer knows his strengths and the best position to play him in.

"For me, he definitely plays best when he's in the hole behind the strikers.

"Sometimes when he plays out wide, like any winger, it's difficult to get the ball. In the middle he can go both ways and use his passing ability. He's far better in there."

DANNY PATON, part of Hearts' 1962 League Cup- winning side, has died at the age of 75.

Paton scored 34 goals in 81 games for the Jam Tarts before ending his career in the United States with Washington Darts and Atlanta Chiefs.

The winger was fondly remembered by Tynecastle fans for scoring a hat-trick against Hibs during that League Cup-winning season.