HEARTS are considering applying to field a Colts team in the Lowland League next season.
The Tynecastle outfit are set to explore the possibility after clubs in the fifth tier voted in favour of allowing ‘guest teams’ to be included.
The move would see Hearts follow in the footsteps of Celtic and Rangers, whose B teams have both been involved in the set-up this term.
The Glasgow pair each paid a £25,000 entry fee last year for what was claimed to be a one-off as they sought competitive action for their youngsters.
Clubs in the league voted by a majority of 11-4 to allow the experiment to continue beyond the summer, with a statement insisting ‘the overriding feeling is their presence has been of benefit in a commercial sense’.
The statement read: “The board of the SLFL, and member clubs, remain committed to making a positive impact within our communities and Scottish football as a whole, and will maintain an open mind to any initiatives that support those aims.”
It is understood Hearts would be ‘really interested’ in becoming one of the guest clubs now permitted for next season.
There has been controversy over Premiership teams being able to enter the pyramid system one rung below the SPFL but without a reserve league it is seen as a worthwhile alternative for Hearts, and others, to get game-time for fringe players.
Meanwhile, manager Robbie Neilson is hopeful Hearts can reach agreement on a new deal with Peter Haring.
The midfielder is out of contract this summer but has been offered fresh terms.
Negotiations are ongoing with the 28-year-old Austrian, who joined the Jambos in 2018.
Neilson said: “We’ve spoken to Peter and offered him a deal. He is one we want to keep here so we’ve done that.
“We are going back and forward just now. We put an offer to him, he’s come back and I hope we get something done.”
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