Jon Daly takes interim charge at Hearts following Ian Cathro's departure
Hearts have confirmed coach Jon Daly will lead the club's preparations for Saturday's Ladbrokes Premiership opener at Celtic Park following the dismissal of boss Ian Cathro.
The Tynecastle outfit say they are stepping up the search for a new head coach following Cathro's sacking on Tuesday just eight months after taking charge.
But chairwoman Ann Budge and director of football Craig Levein have decided to hand responsibility for picking the team that will face Brendan Rodgers' all-conquering Parkhead side to former Dundee United and Rangers striker Daly.
The Irishman will be supported by Austin MacPhee - Cathro's former number two - and first-team coach Liam Fox.
The Jambos said in a statement: "Following on from (Tuesday's) announcement, the club can confirm that the recruitment process is already under way to identify and appoint a new permanent head coach.
"During this process, Jon Daly has been asked to take charge of first-team matters on an interim basis, supported by the current coaching team of assistant head coach Austin MacPhee and first-team coach Liam Fox.
"This interim set-up will take charge of the first team's Ladbrokes Premiership match at Celtic on Saturday, and until a new head coach has been appointed.