Trialist Joe Wright impresses Robbie Neilson with goal as Hearts cruise past East Fife

The 27-year-old Enlgishman played for an hour in the middle of a back three and netted with a diving header six yards out from Jorge Grant’s free-kick to give Hearts a 3-0 lead at half time in a testimonial match for East Fife stalwart Kevin Smith.

Stephen Kingsley bagged a hat-trick and there were also goals for Gary Mackay-Steven, Finlay Pollock and Alan Forrest, with ten outfield subs coming on after an hour.

Wright will be involved again against Spartans at Ainslie Park on Wednesday and Bonnyrigg Rose on Saturday, the free agent making a good first impression in what was his first game in a long time.

After five years at Doncaster Rovers he missed the whole of last season through injury and has taken up an invite to spend pre-season with Hearts.

Although not put under pressure defensively by the Fifers, he was very assured on the ball and took his goal well.

“I liked what I saw, so he needs to keep that up,” Neilson told the Edinburgh Evening News. “He'll keep playing and training. We've got a game on Wednesday night. He'll be involved in that a little bit and then there's the game on Saturday, so we'll see how he does.”

He added: “We spoke to him a while ago and obviously he got quite a bad injury and was in rehab. He's just coming back.

“So he's come up and we're having a look at him. He'll be involved in these next few games and then we'll make a decision.”

Wright’s goal came after two stunning strikes from Gary McKay-Steven and Finlay Pollock in the opening 15 minutes.

After the break Kingsley kept up the theme of superb goals with a sweet dipping half-volley from longe range, then headed a second and completed a rare hat-trick with a penalty. Alan Forrest netted with virtually his first touch after coming off