Del in race to have Mato for Hoops clash

DEREK McINNES admits Hearts are racing against the clock to have Rogers Mato registered for Sunday's showdown with Celtic.

- BY FRASER WILSON

The Hearts boss insists the rapid Ugandan forward will add a goal threat to his side in the absence of skipper Lawrence Shankland.

McInnes is also pushing to add another signing ahead of the top-of-the-table clash.

Although an initial bid for midfielder Laurent Mendy, who skippers Forest Green Rovers, has been turned down.

The loss of top scorer Shankland and midfield general Cammy Devlin, both for up to eight weeks, rank as a hammer blow to the league leaders.