Former Celtic striker James Keatings has signed a two year contract for Hearts.
The 22-year-old was at Hamilton last season but it was his prolific scoring record for the Celtic youth sides that attracted the attention of Hearts boss Robbie Nielson.
After coming through the ranks at Celtic alongside James Forrest and St Johnstone’s Michael O’Halloran Keats played mainly as a winger in the 2009/10 double winning youth side.
Playing as a striker the following season he opened up with five goals against Hamilton Accies and averaged close to two goals a game until suffering cruciate ligament damage in a game against Hamilton in April 2011.
The bhoy from Wishaw never quite recovered from that injury, spending time on loan at St Johnstone and Hamilton, although he did sign off his Celtic career in style with the goal that won the 2012/13 title in a 1-0 win away to Inverness Caley Thistle.
“I’ve known him for a number of years and watched him at Celtic where he scored a lot of goals in the youth teams and under-20s,” Hearts boss Neilson said. “The pleasing thing with James is that he had the opportunity to stay at Celtic a year ago, but because he didn’t see a pathway for himself he decided to take the opportunity to leave and go to Hamilton.
“He dropped down to try to forge a career and to see that desire is great. He had the ambition to take a chance and try to prove himself in a first-team environment. He did fantastically well for Hamilton at the start of last season but then picked up a wee injury.
“He could have stayed and played in the Premiership with Hamilton, but he recognises that there’s an opportunity here for him to progress. I’m pleased to get him. He’s a good character and a top development prospect for us.”
Keats added: “I am delighted to have signed for Hearts and was over the moon to have the opportunity to sign for a big club like this after leaving Hamilton.
“Winning promotion with Accies last season was great but everyone knows Hearts is one of the biggest clubs in Scotland and to have the chance to play for them is a big deal for me.
“Last season I managed to score 15 goals for Hamilton, and hopefully I can do the same or maybe even a few more for Hearts this season.”
Hearts have also announced the end of their shirt sponsorship deal with Wonga.
In other signings news Lewis Kidd has joined Queen of the South with Mikey Miller signing for Jim Duffy’s Morton.
