Liam Boyce could be set for a sensational return to Northern Ireland, but this time in the League of Ireland. The 33-year-old former Cliftonville striker looks set to leave Hearts and is closing in on a move to Derry City.

It has been reported that talks are already under way and Boyce could depart the Jambos as early as this weekend. Derry City are keen on a quick deal, with their pre-season due to begin on Monday.

It would be a massive coup for the Candystripes and new manager Tiernan Lynch, who is determined to lead the club to a first League of Ireland title since 1996/97.

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Northern Ireland striker Boyce has been used sparingly this season by Hearts, but has started the last three league games under Neil Critchley. He returned to the starting XI against former club Ross County, which finished in a 2-2 draw after a stunning stoppage time collapse.

But he kept his place for wins over Motherwell and Dundee Utd as the capital club showed some much needed improvement. Boyce's know-how has had a positive effect on teenage hot shot James Wilson in particular and it looked like he was set to play an important role under Critchley in the second part of the season, reports the Daily Record.

However, the opportunity to get regular playing time is thought to appeal to the 33-year-old, combined with the opportunity to move his family back home nearer his native Belfast. The move also allows Hearts to get one of their higher earners off the wage bill and free up some space in the budget for Critchley to make further additions to his squad after capturing Elton Kabangu and Jamie McCart so far.

Boyce arrived in Gorgie back in January 2020 from Burton Albion and the consensus was that his goals would help fire Daniel Stendel's side to safety. But despite netting a debut winner against Rangers, the forward and his teammates struggled to put points on the board and the men in maroon were demoted to the Championship after coronavirus >Covid ended the campaign early.

A serious knee injury suffered in 2022/23 kept him out for the best part of a year, only for a hamstring tear to virtually end his campaign in December last term. Boyce admitted this week that the final year of his deal has been a difficult one.

He said: “I just want to play football. I train, try and stay ready. It's difficult, I think I should be playing.

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"Every player does. It’s not my decision. All I can do is stay ready and, when I get a chance, I need to take it.

“It's been really tough. I want to help my team-mates. When you don't get the chance to, it is hard to take. It is sort of different when you have been injured a long time you can't play.

"When you are fit and have missed that amount of time and you feel like you can play and help, then you don't get the chance, it's hard to take. That's behind me, I played a game (vs Ross County) and I'm happy, not with the result but how I performed. I'll just seen what happens next week. I'll train and just stay ready.

“I haven't been told anything. I think it is in January you can sign elsewhere. I haven't spoken to the gaffer, nothing has been said. I'll just keep training, see what comes along and, if it is good for me and my family, I'll decide then.”

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