COWDENBEATH boss Gary Bollan today was pleased to conclude negotiations with Hearts and signed two of the Tynecastle club's young stars on loan until the January transfer windowand both will be in the squad for the trip to Cove Rangers today.

Coming to Central Park are Chris Hamilton and Connor Smith - both of whom are local lads.

Chris (18) is a defender and he has played for Scotland at under 21 level. He lives in Kelty and attended Crossgates Primary and Beath High Schools before going on to the SFA Performance School at Broughton High in Edinburgh. Chris made his first team debut towards the end of season 2017/18 and also had a loan spell at Berwick Rangers early last season.

Connor Smith (17), is from Cowdenbeath and is the younger brother of Dunfermline striker Callum Smith.

He is an attacking central midfielder and also a graduate of the SFA Performance School at Broughton High.

He was previously a pupil at Broad Street and Beath High Schools. Connor has captained Scotland at under 17 level and made his mark in the Hearts first team with a fine display in the derby match v Hibs at the end of last season.

Cowden director David Allan said: "We are really delighted to welcome two talented local lads to Central Park and we look forward to seeing them in a blue and white jersey. Grateful thanks go to Hearts in agreeing to these loan arrangements for the benefit all parties".