JAMIE MacDONALD admits he would jump at the opportunity to return to Hearts following his Kilmarnock exit.

The 34-year-old, who made 136 appearances and lifted the 2012 Scottish Cup during his first stint with the Jambos, concedes that he has ‘gambled’ with his future by turning down the security of an extended deal at Rugby Park. 

And he hopes the capital club are interested in his services as they search for a new number one after uninspiring loan stopper Joel Periera returned to Manchester United. Zdenek Zlamal and Colin Doyle have also failed to impress between the sticks. 

MacDonald left Tynecastle in 2014 following 14 years in Gorgie but still lives in Edinburgh with his young family. 

He said: “If an opportunity like that arose then I would be delighted. I would go back in a heartbeat. 

“I grew up at Hearts. I was there from 14 years old until I was basically forced out of the door.

“It's somewhere I would definitely go back, although I think Hearts have their own problems to deal with just now like a lot of clubs.

“I was grateful Kilmarnock offered me something but I looked at it and thought it's not worth it for me to travel to Killie every day. 

“It didn't make sense for me and my family because a quarter of your wage goes on travel expenses. I decided it would be best to try and look closer to home.

“It's a bit of a gamble right now. It's not like I'm walking into anything elsewhere.”