Hearts sign striker Stephen Humphrys on loan from Wigan Athletic

Hearts have added to their strike force on deadline day, signing Stephen Humphrys on loan from Wigan Athletic.

The imposing centre-forward will spend the season at Tynecastle and helps cover for the loss of Liam Boyce to injury for the majority of the season.

The 24-year-old began his career with Fulham and has had time at Shrewsbury Town, Rochdale, Scunthorpe United and Southend before signing for Wigan Athletic last summer.

Humphrys has found himself down the pecking order with the Latics and opted to join Robbie Neilson’s squad as Hearts compete in the Premiership and in Europe.

“He’ll bring a big presence up top and a lot of experience despite only being 24-years-old,” Neilson told the club website.

“His goals earned him a move to Wigan and we’re confident that he can continue to find the back of the net up here as we gear up for a busy period of domestic and European football.”

Sporting director Joe Savage said: “We’ve been aware of Stephen for a while thanks to the sterling job our recruitment team do in identifying talent.

“Because of this, we were able to move quickly to bring him in and we’re very happy to be able to call Stephen a Hearts player.

“I’d like to thank Stephen’s agent and Wigan Athletic for helping to facilitate the deal, and, once again, our board for their backing during this crucial time.”