Jim Jefferies today admitted he wished he had Australian U20 international Ryan McGowan available for selection after being hugely impressed by the defender.

With an injury crisis in the offing ahead of tomorrow night's trip to Celtic, the Tynecastle boss revealed he likes what he sees of the 20-year old who is on loan at Ayr United.

Indeed Jim confirmed that Ryan is likely to be core part of next season's squad.

Ryan continues to train with Hearts three days a week as part of his stint with the part-time Somerset Park, with whom he's enjoyed a successful loan spell.

"The lad Ryan McGowan has been excellent at Ayr United and he will be in my thoughts for the start of the season," said Jim.

"I have heard good reports about him, I watched him in training yesterday and I thought he looked decent.

"He was part of the Ryan Stevenson deal to stay there but maybe in hindsight given the injuries we've picked up - I did not know Bouzid would get injured in the semi-final - but I would have much preferred to have thought about bringing him in."

On Hearts.TV today - Watch Jim Jefferies pre-match news conference along with new boy Ryan Stevenson