Kye Rowles addresses Hearts teammate Nat Atkinson being 'cast aside' at Tynecastle

Kye Rowles admits it's been difficult seeing pal Nathaniel Atkinson being "cast aside" at Hearts.

The defender is on international duty without his mate with Australia and the centre-half believes it's been tough on Atkinson to be frozen out and transfer listed by Steven Naismith. It has not been a question of fitness for the 25-year-old, either, as Rowles confirmed as he's been ready to go from the start.

But with an exit now on the cards, Rowles hopes it's one that can be sorted out soon for the benefit of his friend as well as the country as he's also missed out on a Socceroos call.

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“Look, he is fully fit. It’s a shame that he has been cast aside a bit at the club but he is in every day working hard,” said Rowles. “He is waiting for his opportunity, wherever that next chapter may be. I know he is itching to just play football and just get back here as soon as possible.”

The Jambos have started the season poorly and are without a win in six in the Premiership. And asked if now is a good time to get away from club football following the tough start, Rowles said: “Yes and no. You obviously want to make amends for the poor start. We’re just struggling to win games at the moment but hopefully that an change here, get that taste for winning again and hopefully take it back to the club.

“You just want to be in the best shape you can possibly be in for camp to be able to get as many minutes as possible - and show Arnie and the coaching staff that you should be playing. Whenever you can get minutes at your club, it’s always good. You want to be in good form to be able to perform at your best in the international windows.”