Hearts release 6 players following disappointing season

Ian Cathro has told six of his under-performing Hearts squad their time at Tynecastle is up.

Tasos Avlonitis, Alex Tziolis, Lennard Sowah and Andraz Struna, all signed by rookie Jambos boss Cathro on six-month deals back in January, have been informed they will not be kept on after the club's dismal second half to the season.

On-loan Stoke winger Moha Choulay will return to his parent club while youngster Dylan Bikey has also been released.

Greek defender Avlonitis made a total of 11 appearances for the club, whilst his fellow countryman Tziolis played 18 competitive games, scoring once.

German left-back Sowah joined Hearts in January having previously played for Hamilton and made a total of 15 appearances in the maroon jersey. Slovenia international Struna, meanwhile, leaves with 17 games and one goal to his name.

Moroccan winger Choulay turned out 12 times during his stint in Edinburgh and French striker Bikey will also leave the club having made two senior appearances after joining from Stirling Albion at the turn of the year.

Hearts have won just six games from 26 since Cathro took over at the start of December.