Hearts defender Jordan McGhee wants to play regular football again

Hearts defender Jordan McGhee believes he needs to get back playing regularly to take his career to the next stage.

The 19-year-old has made five appearances this season but has only started in the club's two League Cup games against Arbroath and Forfar.

McGhee was the subject of a failed bid from Ipswich this month but his only focus is getting back in the Hearts starting line-up.

McGhee, whose team were drawn away to Kilmarnock in the third round of the Scottish League Cup, said: "I feel as if the next stage of my career I need to develop by playing. Hopefully that comes sooner rather than later so I can take my development to the next stage.

"I'll wait my turn and once I get it I am confident I will hold down a place in the team."

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson feels McGhee will develop better by staying at Tynecastle for the time being.

The Scotland Under-21 international said: "It was a great confidence boost to know that a big club like Ipswich are looking at you, but Hearts are a really big club as well and I'm contracted to Hearts for the next two seasons. I'll do my best for the club and try to get back in the team."