How Hearts will fill John Souttar to Rangers hole as Robbie Neilson promises summer recruitment drive

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson will recruit to replace John Souttar in the summer.

But he hopes January signing Toby Sibbick can eventually reach the level of the Rangers bound defender.

It was announced in January that Souttar would be heading down the M8 in the summer to join the Premiership champions.

A deadline deal for this season wasn't reached and though there were a few boos from the stands to begin with the Jambos support is largely behind Souttar after he continued to keep performing.

But Neilson knows he can't ignore the number four's impending departure – and that's why plans are in place now.

He said: "We brought in Toby Sibbick and we hope with development we will get him to that level.

"The plan was to get him in the January window and work with him until the summer. Then we will look to recruit then as well.

"John leaving gives us a massive hole we need to fill."

Souttar has remained professional ever since his pre-contract to Ibrox was announced.

There's been no drop in performances but it's clear he's helped when centre-back sidekick Craig Halkett is alongside him.

His return to the starting XI and Hearts' immediate upturn in form is no coincidence after wins at St Mirren and at home to Aberdeen as Neilson said: "He’s been great.

“Him and John Souttar together give you that platform to go and play.

"They are physical and strong in the air, they dominate the striker and are also very good on the ball. Having the two of them is great."