HEARTS v KILMARNOCK Goalkeeper Bell earns ringing endorsement from manager Shiels

Saturday 16 February 2013

THOSE clubs that have been quietly impressed with Cammy Bell are beginning to clear their throats.

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Chris Tait

The Kilmarnock goalkeeper is out of contract at the end of the season and has become an object of desire as a result; npower Championship side Ipswich Town having now come forward looking to talk about a move south, perhaps over dinner, while Rangers have made their affections public this week. There is also the offer of a new five-year deal at Rugby Park should all else fail.

That is a somewhat pessimistic view of the Ayrshire club's chances of retaining the goalkeeper beyond the end of the season, of course, and typically is not one to which Kenny Shiels will subscribe willingly. The Kilmarnock manager is expected to restore Bell to his starting line-up against Hearts this afternoon now that the 26-year-old has recovered from a back injury, and has not lost hope that he will be able to recall his goalkeeper after the summer, either.Should Bell choose to leave, Kilmarnock will not receive a transfer fee and so they will not back any clubs in the race for his signature. Shiels, though, still intends to offer guidance to help ensure his goalkeeper's career continues to go in the right direction."He knows in his head that no matter where he goes he will be playing – that's how good he is," said Shiels, who also has James Fowler available today following a ban. "It is up to me to try to give him some advice. That will be between Cammy and me and we will have those discussions over the next couple of months. "Ipswich Town have come in and there are [other] English clubs that have shown strong interest. At least we know we have him for this season but it is an opportunity to go to the Championship, so we're not going to stand in his way."There are no new obstacles to the young players that have emerged at Hearts this season, either, with the club announcing that they have been able to pay wages on time – as well as meeting other financial obligations – despite the news that Ukio Bankas have gone into administration. Vladimir Romanov, Hearts' majority shareholder, owns the Lithuanian bank and it was feared that its financial plight would impact on the Edinburgh club.However, Hearts have moved to alleviate such concerns, which means young talents such as Fraser Mullen can to continue to stake a claim for a place in the team ahead of a Scottish Communties League Cup final against St Mirren on March 17. "The League Cup final is at the back of everybody's mind and the target is to be in the starting XI for that match," admitted the teenager defender. "Hopefully, I can keep my place in the team."

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HEARTS v KILMARNOCK Goalkeeper Bell earns ringing endorsement from manager Shiels

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