Locke asks more Hearts players to take wage cut

Gary Locke has urged his Hearts players to follow the example set by Jamie MacDonald and Ryan Stevenson to help the cash-strapped club.

Goalkeeper MacDonald and midfielder Stevenson have both agreed to reduce their wages as Hearts battle to survive after being placed into administration on Wednesday.

Debts in the region of 25 million pounds have cast huge doubt over the future of the Scottish Premier League club, with manager Locke thankful for the gesture made by MacDonald and Stevenson.

Locke now hopes more members of his squad will show their commitment to Hearts and follow suit.

He told the club’s official website: “I’ve managed to touch base with them (the Hearts players) but it’s not a decision you can make straight away.

“I’ve told them the circumstances and had two really positive conversations with them so we’ll see what happens.”

Hailing kind-hearted MacDonald and Stevenson, Locke added: “That’s one positive to come out of a difficult 48 hours.

“We don’t have a lot of experienced players now because we cut right through the summer. I thought I’d be able to bring in a few players but that’s not the case now.

“These two have shown me they’re prepared to take wage cuts to play for the club and I’ve nothing but great things to say about them.

“They are the types you want playing for you.”