In a summer filled with changes at Tynecastle Park, transfer listed Toby Sibbick successfully secured a move away, but Nathaniel Atkinson's situation remains less favourable at Heart of Midlothian.

Kye Rowles has spoken out about his teammate, expressing disappointment over Atkinson being sidelined.

With manager Steven Naismith opting for a fresh approach, Atkinson has found himself available for transfer.

Rowles' comments - while away on international duty with Australia - express sympathy about his countryman's situation.

“Look, he is fully fit," Rowles confirmed. "It’s a shame that he has been cast aside a bit at the club but he is in every day working hard. He is waiting for his opportunity, wherever that next chapter may be. I know he is itching to just play football and just get back here as soon as possible.”

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Meanwhile, Rowles was also asked whether it was a good time to escape Scottish football and focus on internationals for the time being, given Hearts' extremely poor start to the domestic season

He said: “Yes and no. You obviously want to make amends for the poor start.

"We’re just struggling to win games at the moment but hopefully that can change here, get that taste for winning again and hopefully take it back to the club.

“You just want to be in the best shape you can possibly be in for camp to be able to get as many minutes as possible - and show Arnie and the coaching staff that you should be playing. Whenever you can get minutes at your club, it’s always good. You want to be in good form to be able to perform at your best in the international windows.”