Stephen Humphrys completes Hearts loan switch as Wigan striker fills Liam Boyce void

Stephen Humphrys has joined Hearts on a season-long loan from Wigan Athletic.

The 24-year-old moves north from the English Championship in order to get more regular game time after the Latics' promotion to the Championship. He's featured just twice in the English second tier and once in the EFL Cup, so has jumped at the opportunity to move to the Scottish capital.

Robbie Neilson was in desperate need of reinforcements up front after Liam Boyce's injury. The striker suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in the Jambos' 302 win over St Johnstone at the weekend and will be out of action for several months as a result. Transfer attention then immediately turned to the top end of the pitch, with Lawrence Shankland the only senior striker on the books at Tynecastle with Euan Henderson as back up. Now helps has arrived in the form of Humphrys after the club confirmed the 25-year-old's capture this evening.

Humphrys can play anywhere across the front three. He'll mostly be needed through the middle, but can also operate on either flank, which will offer more depth should Neilson be without the likes of Barrie McKay, Alan Forrest, Josh Ginnelly or Gary-Mackay-Steven.

Boss Robbie Neilson said on the deal: “It’s no secret that we’ve been looking at strengthening our forward area after Liam Boyce ’s injury, and I’m delighted that we’ve managed to do so by bringing Stephen in.

“He’ll bring a big presence up top and a lot of experience despite only being 24-years-old. His goals earned him a move to Wigan and we’re confident that he can continue to find the back of the net up here as we gear up for a busy period of domestic and European football.”

READ NEXT: