Hearts have completed the signing of Craig Beattie, handing the free agent a contract until the end of the season.

The 28-year old former Celtic striker held talks with the Tynecastle club last week but manager Paulo Sergio said on Friday that he was unable to comment on the player’s situation.

Now, discussions continued this week and Hearts have confirmed that Beattie has joined Sergio’s squad. He is free to make his debut against Dundee United on Saturday if selected.

Beattie is a free agent after agreeing a mutual termination of contract with Swansea City in January.

The Scotland cap was linked with several clubs, with English Championship side Millwall thought to be keen on a move. Kilmarnock held talks with the player but Rugby Park manager Kenny Shiels said last Thursday that he was surprised to be told that Beattie had chosen a different option.

"I actually just lost out on Craig Beattie today,” Shiels said.

"I thought we were going to get him, I felt he was coming to make his debut at Ibrox on Saturday.

"But I have lost out to another SPL club although I don't know who it is."