Aidan Denholm has joined Ross County on a season-long loan from Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts.
The 20-year-old midfielder has made 24 appearances for the Tynecastle club but game time was likely to be reduced in the season ahead following the Jambos summer recruitment drive, so he has been allowed to move north to the Staggies.
“We are delighted to bring Aidan to the club,” County boss Don Cowie said on his club’s official website.
“He joins us with Scottish Premiership and European football experience, yet is still at a young age.
“Aidan joining gives us real competition in the central midfield area.”
Hearts boss Steven Naismith is adamant Denholm, who was handed a contract until 2026 last September, still has a future at his boyhood club.
“It’s a good move for Aidan who will get to work under a top operator in Don Cowie,” Naismith told the Jambos’ website.
“Aidan did really well last season to come into the team but to really progress he needs a consistent run of games.
“We have recruited with purpose for our domestic and European campaigns so the opportunities that were there last year may not be there this season.
“By going to Ross County, Aidan can continue his development by staying in the top flight and staking his case for regular minutes on the pitch.
“He can then return to Hearts with more experience under his belt and look to push on for a starting place at Tynecastle next season.”
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