Against the Clock: Hearts and McInnes chase Mato clearance for Celtic clash

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has put the spotlight on incoming Ugandan forward Rogers Mato, admitting the club is pushing hard to have the striker available in time for Sunday’s blockbuster Scottish Premiership meeting with champions Celtic.

What was originally planned as a summer swoop from North Macedonian side Vardar has now been brought forward, with Hearts accelerating the deal in response to their growing needs in attack.

McInnes confirmed that the 22-year-old is due in Scotland this month, but the race is now on to complete the paperwork before the weekend.

“We have an opportunity to add some signings because Sunday’s game is a huge one,” McInnes told the club media. “We want to be strong not just for that match, but for the rest of the season as well. Hopefully we can get Mato in for the weekend if possible. What we do know is that he’s coming this month, and the club deserves credit for negotiating the deal.”

The Hearts boss also made it clear he believes Mato can make an immediate difference once he settles in Edinburgh.

“Mato is a talented player and we are hopeful he can help us a lot in the second half of the season,” McInnes added.

For the Ugandan forward to be eligible against Celtic, all the required documentation must be completed by Friday, a tight deadline that underlines the urgency at Tynecastle.

Hearts’ transfer plans were reshaped after a serious blow in the form of an injury to captain and top scorer Lawrence Shankland.

The prolific striker, who has already hit 11 league goals this season to lead the scoring charts, is expected to be out for around two months. That setback convinced the club to pay an undisclosed fee for Mato now, rather than wait until the summer when he would have been available as a free agent.

Mato arrives with a strong reputation and form to match, having scored 12 goals in North Macedonia this season to finish as the leading scorer at his current club.

Whether he makes the Celtic matchday squad or not, Hearts will be hoping the Ugandan international can provide a timely spark as they head into a decisive phase of their campaign.

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