JIM JEFFERIES is gutted Hearts missed out on the signing of Craig Bryson after backing the Scotland international to inspire an Aberdeen title challenge.

Jefferies was the man who took a punt on Bryson as an untested youngster, snapping him up for a cut-price compensation fee from Clyde in 2007.

The gamble paid dividends as the midfielder scored 14 goals in 135 appearances for Kilmarnock, securing Bryson a dream move to Derby and allowing the Ayrshire outfit to cash in to the tune of £400,000.

Eight years later, Bryson is returning north with more than 250 games in England under his belt and three Scotland caps – and Jefferies reckons Aberdeen have made a sensational deal. He just wishes it was Hearts.

“Aberdeen are a club that has aspirations to challenge the Old Firm and Craig Bryson is the sort of signing who can help that happen. That is the pedigree he is bringing. He will improve the squad massively,” Jefferies said. “He is only 32 and still has plenty in the tank. He always kept himself really fit and was the consummate professional, always staying behind and doing extra work. It’s a real coup for Aberdeen.

“I did see Craig linked with coming to Hearts a couple of months ago and I thought that would be a terrific signing. Unfortunately, it was not to be and, honestly, I think they’ve missed out on a top player. I should maybe have tried to have a word.

“When he was at Kilmarnock with us, Gary Locke was there as well, and he’s now back at Hearts in an ambassador’s role. So, I had my finger’s crossed that Lockie might be able to put in a word and make it happen.

“At this stage of his life, Craig will have a few different things to consider – family, his future – and he obviously felt Aberdeen was the best place for him. They are certainly a big club and I’m sure they’ll have ambitions for this season.”

Jefferies still looks back at his capture of Bryson as one of the biggest bargains in his managerial career, with cash-strapped Clyde happy to take an initial lump-sum payment which saved Kilmarnock a packet in the long run.

“Kevin Drinkell, who I knew well from our Falkirk days together, recommended Craig and then I went along to watch him and was really impressed,” he said. “I had a chat with their chairman and it turned out he was available. Clyde weren’t in the best of financial health so we got a real bargain with the signing.

“He did terrific for us, he was a brilliant signing and a great lad to have at the club. In the end Kilmarnock got around £400,000 for him, so it was an incredible piece of business. You only need to look at how well he has done in England and how long he has been down there to see his quality and character. He wasn’t a big name when he arrived at Derby, so he has earned his stripes and proved himself. But, knowing Craig, that didn’t surprise me.”

The only thing that does surprise Jefferies is that Bryson never added to his three Scotland caps given his consistency in the Championship with Derby and Cardiff.

Jefferies added: “I was delighted when Craig first got his caps for Scotland because I always knew it was something he was capable of achieving. However, I thought he could have played more. I realise that the competition is fierce for a place in the midfield, but there are not many who played at that level for so long, with his consistency. He should have more caps, in my view.”