Soccer

Jimmy Dunne leaves Hearts to return to Burnley

Hearts have confirmed the departure of Jimmy Dunne.

Manager Craig Levein had been hoping to extend the defender's loan spell from Burnley but the 21-year-old has returned to England.

The centre-back won a Republic of Ireland call-up after impressing during a 14-game stint with Hearts before an ankle injury struck towards the end of November.

A Hearts statement read: "The club would like to thank Jimmy for all of his efforts in a maroon shirt and wishes him well in the next chapter of his career."

Meanwhile, Czech striker David Vanacek has arrived in Edinburgh on an 18-month deal.

The 27-year-old signed a pre-contract deal in the summer and his FK Teplice contract has now expired.

He joined up with his new colleagues on Monday morning and will fly out to the club's training camp in Spain on Tuesday.

Ryan Edwards and Bobby Burns are also back with Levein's squad after season-long loan spells were cut short. Midfielder Edwards played 14 times for St Mirren while Burns made eight appearances for Livingston.