Former Heart of Midlothian forward Murray Thomas has joined Kelty Hearts after departing Tynecastle Park this summer.

The 20-year-old made 24 appearances for Hearts B in the Lowland League last term but was informed by Liam Fox in February that his contract would not be extended.

Speaking to Hearts Standard last month, Thomas expressed his hope that he would sign a full-time contract with his next club but understood that he may have to drop down to part-time level to get the playing time he desired.

“I am hopefully going into men’s competitive football now so I need to play,” he said. “I am only 20 years old so spending a season sitting on the bench wouldn’t do me any good.

“I could be going part-time but obviously full-time football is a lot more appealing to me. It’s still what I want to do. But would I rather go to a good full-time team and play five to 10 games next season, or drop down to part-time and play 40? It’s a decision that I have to make.”

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Kelty Hearts’ League One campaign begins on Saturday 3 August with a trip to Montrose, followed by a home clash with League Two champions Stenhousemuir the following weekend.

Thomas could, however, make his first appearance for Michael Tidser’s side in the group stages of the League Cup. A trip to Elgin City awaits on Tuesday night before Kelty host Hibernian on Saturday 20 July.