Hearts start search for new boss with Robbie Neilson bound for MK Dons

Hearts have begun their search for a new head coach after agreeing a compensation deal with MK Dons for Robbie Neilson.

The Ladbrokes Premiership club have also given permission for assistant boss Stevie Crawford to discuss personal terms with the Sky Bet League One side, who have been managerless since the departure of Karl Robinson on October 23.

Director of football Craig Levein is set to take charge of the team for their away game against Ross County on Saturday while the former Scotland boss and Ann Budge also set about recruiting a new coaching team.

Ian Cathro is the favourite to replace Neilson and Hearts could quickly make their move for the 30-year-old, who worked in the Dundee United academy when Levein was Tannadice boss.

The Newcastle assistant coach has worked under Steve McClaren and Rafa Benitez at St James' Park following spells as assistant manager at Portuguese top-flight side Rio Ave and Valencia.

Other potential candidates could include former Hearts skipper Steven Pressley, Tynecastle Under-20s coach Jon Daly and Falkirk boss Peter Houston, but betting company McBookie closed the book on the market on Thursday after a string of bets on Cathro.

Another former Hearts player who was linked with the post, Gary Naysmith, took over at Queen of the South on Thursday after leaving East Fife.