First team squad member Ryan McGowan has joined Partick Thistle on an emergency short-term loan.

The Australian, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Ayr United last season, has agreed to move to Firhill to help sharpen his game, with the prospect of competitive match action something which appeals to the 21-year-old.

"I think this will be a good move for me and hopefully I can start playing regularly every weekend," said Ryan, who will team up with fellow-loan star Conrad Balatoni at the Jags.

His departure on loan until the end of next month follows similar deals for a number of other young Gorgie stars.

Arvydas Novikovas has moved to St Johnstone until the end of the season, while Dylan McGowan, Matthew Park and goalkeeper Dean Lyness have joined East Fife. Gordon Smith and Jonathan Brown are at Stirling Albion, with Jonathan Stewart assisting Dundee's battle to avoid the drop from Division One and Mark Ridgers turning out for Airdrie United.

In further developments this afternoon, both Danny Thomson and Paul Mulrooney have joined Clyde on loan until the end of the current campaign.

Today on Hearts.TV and the official Hearts App, an exclusive interview with boss Jim Jefferies as he gears up for Dundee United clash this weekend.