Hearts’ midweek opponents have done transfer deals with Manchester United and Arsenal ahead of the match.
St Mirren have signed a highly-rated talent from Manchester United ahead of facing Hearts in the Premiership - as a star joins Arsenal.
The Buddies are next up for Derek McInnes’ league leaders in a tricky fixture, having not won in Paisley on two attempts this season across the Premier Sports Cup and Premiership. They did get the better of them with 10 men at Tynecastle last month, however, but Saints boss Stephen Robinson has added to his squad ahead of kick-off.
Manchester United midfielder Jacob Devaney has signed on loan until the end of the season. He was the Premier League club’s Youth Scholar of the Year winner last season and has captained their U21s side, now stepping into Scottish football for a taste of senior exposure.
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What Manchester United player has joined St Mirren?
Devaney said: "I’m very excited. It’s a great opportunity for me to come here, do well and try to help the lads finish the season strong. As soon as the offer came up it was something that me and my family looked at, and thought was a great opportunity. I see it as a big step in my career to go and prove myself. Everything the manager said was really positive and that’s why I’m here.
“I’m a hard-working midfielder. I cover a lot of distance, I do a bit at both ends defending and like to get forward as well. Something I’ve worked on this season is my finishing, scoring goals and getting assists and I’ve added that this year."
Robinson said: "Jacob gives us something that we haven't got. We haven't really replaced Caolan Boyd-Munce and with Keanu Baccus being injured we haven't had that link between defence and midfield in recent weeks. He's a really highly thought of young player at Manchester United so we're looking forward to getting him involved. He's been playing U21 football for Manchester United on a regular basis and with our injuries he could get thrown in at the deep end, but we believe he's got a mentality to handle that and is someone we feel can make an impact."
What St Mirren player has joined Arsenal?
Meanwhile, young Buddies striker Evan Mooney has signed for Arsenal. He has made 23 appearances for St Mirren at senior level and his talent has been enough to persuade the Gunners to make a move. Aged 18, Mooney moves into the Arsenal academy system.
Robinson said: "It's a fantastic opportunity for Evan at a club the size of Arsenal. It was a terrific deal for the club as well and we're very well protected in terms of adds on and sell on should Evan go on to fulfil the potential that we believe that he has. Evan, his family and advisers were very keen to go to Arsenal and we wish him nothing but good luck."
St Mirren’s statement reads: “St Mirren Football Club can confirm that Evan Mooney has departed the club to join English Premier League side Arsenal on a permanent deal. While the terms of the deal remain confidential, the club has secured a substantial fee with potential for significant future add-ons and a sizeable sell-on clause. We sincerely thank Evan for his efforts during his time at St Mirren and wish him the very best of luck in his future career.
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