Where Robert Snodgrass fits in at Hearts after Scotland cap makes Premiership return

After just one new addition on transfer deadline day, Hearts set about exploring their options in the free agent market.

On paper, snaring two Scotland internationals looks like shrewd business by Robbie Neilson and Joe Savage. Zander Clark was a surprise addition less than 24 hours after the window closed, the former St Johnstone keeper penning a three-year deal as back up to Craig Gordon, with the expectation being that he will eventually inherit the gloves from the Tynecastle skipper.

Even more of a shock was the arrival of Robert Snodgrass. The Former Livingston, Leeds, West Brom and West Ham man was on the hunt for a new club after leaving Luton Town in the summer. He looked set to sign for Motherwell before interest from Fir Park reportedly cooled. The player himself revealed he had “five or six’ offers north of the border, but opted to sign a one-year deal in Gorgie.

Snodgrass turns 35 today so is no spring chicken. However, with Gordon still doing the business at 39, age shouldn’t be a barrier to a successful season. He admits himself he'll need some time to get up to speed and won’t be eligible for the Europa Conference League group stage due to when he signed.

But Hearts are going to need their whole squad over the coming weeks. October is set to be a particularly brutal month with eight games scheduled for the Jambos.

Injuries and suspension have taken their toll in recent weeks with the capital club losing four of their last five games. Two of those were in the Europa League playoff against FC Zurich and a much-changed side went down 2-0 at Celtic with nine men.

But a home defeat to Kilmarnock in the Premier Sports Cup to Kilmarnock was followed up by a loss to Livingston by the same scoreline as