Ian Cathro appointed as Hearts manager on three-and-a-half-year deal

Hearts have confirmed the appointment of Newcastle United assistant coach Ian Cathro as their new manager on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The 30-year-old began his coaching career at Dundee United's academy before a move to Portugal with Rio Ave, where he was assistant to manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Cathro then moved with Espirito Santo to Valencia, steering them to a fourth-placed finish in La Liga before he returned to Britain with the Magpies.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of Ian Cathro and are confident he is the ideal candidate to take our club forward," Hearts chairwoman Ann Budge told the club website.

"He is widely regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in the game and has amassed a great deal of experience both at home and abroad.

"He may only be 30 years of age but we are convinced that he has all the tools required to be a successful head coach."

Cathro's first game in charge will be Saturday's Scottish Premiership meeting with Rangers at Ibrox.