Hearts B goalkeeper Liam McFarlane has joined League Two’s East Fife on a season-long loan for the upcoming campaign.

The 19-year-old played in all 34 games as Liam Fox’s B team finished second in the Lowland League last term, and won the players’ player of the year award.

“Liam enjoyed a fantastic campaign last season, which saw his game improve with more regular game time,” Fox told the Hearts website.

“He was fully deserving of his recognition at the end-of-season awards, but now it’s time for a new challenge.

“I see this loan move as a good next step for Liam to go and test himself at that higher level. Hopefully, this will bring about further improvement in his game, and he’ll return to the club a better player.”

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Fox’s preparations for the new season are already under way and the Hearts B head coach added to his squad last week by signing left-sided defender Henry Lister from Nottingham Forest and winger Dom Plank from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Fox told the club website: “Firstly, I’m delighted to get both these deals done. The guys came up during last season and we were impressed not only with their ability, but their desire to come and further their careers here at Hearts.

“Henry has really good all-round attributes and is very versatile, which gives us good options to get him on the pitch, he also has a fantastic attitude. As for Dom, he’s different to the wingers that we already have in the squad, which again gives us something good. He’s great with the ball at his feet, has good balance and very good close control.

“They both know they have some things to work on, but they’re up for the challenge and that’s the most important thing. We’ve got a really talented group here, so first of all, they have to try and work their way into the B Team squad, which will then give them a platform to impress not only myself, but the first team coaching staff.”