Hearts goalkeeper Jamie McDonald wants a loan move away after being dropped following their defeat to Rangers. MacDonald said: "It's been a strange start to the season.

"I expected to be on the bench but all of a sudden I was starting against Rangers. I played well but the next weekend I was out again, which was disappointing. I did well enough to merit keeping my place.

"I didn't expect to be undisputed No.1 but hoped the gaffer could give me a wee run of games as a trial period. If he felt I wasn't ready after that I'd have found the situation more acceptable.

"I felt let down that I didn't get the chance to play in another couple of games. The manager put Marian (Kello) in against St Mirren and says I'm in his mind for the future.

"But I need to play. My loan spell last year was good and allowed me to play in big games like the Scottish Cup Final.

"If there's a chance to go out on loan, and the gaffer agrees, that would be better for me.

"Then I can come back and show the manager I'm ready to play for Hearts."