Hearts seal McPake deal and consider new Mato move

Hearts have confirmed that St Johnstone winger Josh McPake is to join the club under freedom of contract in the summer and may try to speed up the arrival of "brilliant talent" Rogers Mato.

McPake, who has scored 15 goals in 27 appearances for the Championship leaders this season, has agreed a three-year deal at Tynecastle.

A pre-contract deal for Uganda forward Mato, 22, was announced earlier this week but manager Derek McInnes said "it would be nice" if the move could happen this month.

Mato has scored 15 goals for Macedonian club Vardar this term.

"I don't know,", McInnes said of the prospect of the transfer being fast-tracked. "We don't control that, but it would be nice if we could.

"We could do with a couple of signings, if we can, to help us. We've got a couple of injuries, and we'll see where we are. I don't know if that (Mato) can be done, but certainly if it can be done, we'll try it.

"I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago, before he headed off to Afcon (Africa Cup of Nations) and the boy knew everything about us. He couldn't wait to come here, and good on him.

"That commitment has been brilliant, and I'm delighted to get him. He's a brilliant young talent and I think he's going to do well. It's great work by the club, identifying him and getting the deal done."

Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts host champions Celtic on Sunday and face the prospect of being without their two main central midfielders.

Beni Baningime will be suspended after his first-half red card in Wednesday's 2-0 win over St Mirren, while Cammy Devlin went off in obvious discomfort.

"I don't think it looks good at the minute," said McInnes of the Australian immediately after the game.

"He's clearly a tough one and he wanted to walk off or limp off - he didn't want a stretcher. We'll see how it is."

Stephen Kingsley, Ageu and Oisin McEntee are among those currently sidelined.

Hearts are six points clear of both Celtic and Rangers with 16 games remaining

"50 points at this stage is remarkable," said McInnes. "I like the fact we are in the same company as Rangers and Celtic. We're actually competing there.

"We don't have the spending power of those clubs, but we have so much going for us.

"We've got smart work from boardroom down, good types in the dressing room, and we believe we are there on merit."