James Penrice demonstrated his nimble footwork in a piggy-in-the-middle exercise during Heart of Midlothian training on Monday.

The new signing has been building back up after missing the final four months of the season as Livingston finished bottom of the Premiership. Speaking to Hearts Standard earlier this summer, Livi boss David Martindale said he was a "huge loss" having been the team's "outstanding player up until he got his injury".

Penrice, who comes to the club having made over 100 appearances for both Partick Thistle and Livingston, is making sure he is cautious following the return from a hip flexor issue that required surgery.

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"Fine, I feel good," the 25-year-old said. "I'm working with the physios just to try not to do too much. I feel good training, I've not had any relapses but I'd rather be cautious.

"I want to get through training and make sure I'm available rather than sitting in a physio room. I did that for the last four months of last season and it killed me. I'm just watching what I'm doing. Taking each day as it comes will be best for me."

Penrice, in an in-depth interview, explained the reason behind joining Hearts and the excitement of the move. He knew after his first meeting with Steven Naismith that Tynecastle Park was going to be the destination after his contract expired.

He said: "There were teams in February wanting to phone but I just told my agent: 'If I'm staying in Scotland, it's Hearts.' They are the only team I'd have gone to. My mind was made up quickly. Hopefully it's the right decision."