The Scottish Football Association have issued a ban on Hearts stating that they are prohibited from signing players aged 21 and over until February 1.

The decision was made following a hearing, which was attended by joint administrator Trevor Birch, today ruling that manager Gary Locke will only have the option of signing youngsters until the end of the January transfer window.

A statement from the SFA said: "This prohibition will not apply to players currently registered with the Scottish FA as being with the club."

Hearts fell into administration on June 19 due to their failure to handle their mounting debt.