킬마녹 FC

The return of Neil McCann has excited Hearts supporters because he has always been a match-winner and when the dazzling winger previously wore a maroon jersey, Hearts always had a chance of winning due to his pace, dribbling and crossing skills.

Neil is a very experienced campaigner who joined Dundee FC on an "S" Form and was called up in May 1992 after a spell with Morton Boys Club. Neil made his Premier debut in March 1993 and he was a star attraction at Dens Park where he earned nine U21 caps and helped Dundee to reach the Challenge Cup Final in November 1994 and the League Cup Final in November 1995.

During the summer of 1996, Neil looked set for a move to the Austrian club, Sturm Graz. However, Hearts manager Jim Jefferies was attracted to his creative ability and moved quickly to sign him in August 1996 for a fee of £250,000. This was an astute piece of business because Neil certainly made a difference, supplying the ammunition that took Hearts to the League Cup Final in November 1996. Sadly, Hearts lost 4-3 to Rangers but Neil McCann was "Man of the Match" in a brilliant contest.

During season 1997-98 he was so often the match-winner and he played a vital role in the team's long challenge for the League title. And in May 1998, Neil was one of the heroes who brought the Scottish Cup back to Edinburgh when Hearts beat Rangers 2-1 in the final. In that memorable game he was closely marked, but managed to relieve pressure with his tireless running.

His quality was further recognized by two "B" International caps in the spring of 1998 against Wales and Norway. The dashing winger then made his Full International debut in September 1998 against Lithuania. Eventually, in December that year, Rangers came in for his transfer and after scoring 27 goals in 104 games, he moved to Ibrox for a fee of £2 million. He subsequently became a regular in the national team and has made 26 appearances for Scotland.

Neil was hugely successful with Rangers and over five years he helped the Glasgow giants to win three League Championships; four Scottish Cup Finals; and two League Cup Finals. In August 2003, he moved to Southampton for £1.75 million, but Neil never really settled, due to a succession of injuries and having to adapt to the style of five different managers.

Neil made a very welcome return to Hearts in January 2006 but sadly he was closely marked on his debut against Kilmarnock and suffered a medial ligament injury that will sideline him for up to six weeks. However, despite the attention of opponents, Neil will again be inspirational in a maroon jersey with his trickery and ball skills providing the ammunition for his striking colleagues.