Heart of Midlothian have confirmed the loan signing of Scott Fraser.
The 28-year-old, who will wear the No.29, has joined until the end of the season from English League One side Charlton Athletic. He becomes the club's second January signing after Dexter Lembikisa, while Yan Dhanda has signed a pre-contract agreement to join in the summer.
Hearts had hoped to add the midfielder last week. Fraser traveled north, keen to return to Scotland, passed a medical and attended the club's 3-2 win over Dundee. However, the deal hit a snag and was complicated with his parent club parting company with manager Michael Appleton. But Naismith finally got his target and he could make his debut against Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday.
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The club had looked at the former Dundee United midfielder in the summer but returned this month with Alex Lowry returning to Rangers and Barrie McKay out injured.
“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to get the deal done and welcome Scott into the squad," Steven Naismith told the club's website. “He’s a great character, has got bags of experience and knows Scottish football well so he should settle in quickly.
“He’ll bring an aggressiveness to our attack in that he always wants to get forward. He’s consistently scored goals and provided lots of assists, both in Scotland and England, and the hope is that he’ll be able to do the same for Hearts as we look to continue our good run of form.”
Fraser has experience of Scottish football having emerged at Tannadice, making more than 100 appearances. He has spent nearly six years plying his trade in England with Burton Albion, MK Dons, Ipswich Town and Charlton.
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Sporting Director Joe Savage added: “It’s obviously no secret that we’ve been trying to bring Scott in for a while and sometimes these things take time, but we’re delighted to get it done and I have to give a big thanks to Will Thornton and Omni Sports for all of their help.
“Scott’s had to be patient but now he can be fully involved with the first team and get the chance to show our fans what he is capable of on the pitch.
“I’m also really pleased that we’ve been able to support the manager in identifying the positions we need to strengthen and then being able to deliver his targets.
“We’re in a good place and everyone is looking forward to continuing the positivity into the latter part of the season.”
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