Hill moves on loan to Hearts

Cherries defender James Hill has joined Edinburgh-based side Hearts on loan until the end of the season.

The deal was confirmed on the club’s official website on the eve of the England under 21 international’s 21st birthday.

Having joined the club in January 2021 from Fleetwood Town for £1million, the central defender moves on almost a year to the day. 

Hill has only made four appearances for the Dorset club, two of which came this season in the Carabao Cup and has yet to make his Premier League debut..

With the lack of game time under Gary O’Neil, it will be an opportunity for the young Bristol-born defender to gain some first-team experience at a club fighting at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The Edinburgh-based club had been seeking to reinforce their defence after Craig Halkett’s season ending injury amongst other defensive injury woes and Hearts manager Robbie Neilson was pleased he had got his man.

“I’m happy that we’ve been able to bring James in until the end of the season,” he said

“We’ve been unlucky with injuries in defence, and while the guys in there have been performing really well it was always high on our priorities list to get another defender in.

“James has fantastic experience of playing at a high level down south and with England U20s and U21s and I’m sure that will stand him in good stead when the time comes for him to play for Hearts.” 

Hill could make his debut as early as Friday night when Hearts host St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.