Hearts loanee turns ‘pivotal’ star for Premiership rival as his debut performance turns head of manager
Hearts loanee turns ‘pivotal’ star for Premiership rival as his debut performance turns head of manager.
Following limited opportunities at Tynecastle, the playmaker left Hearts for Dundee this summer.
Steven Pressley, former Hearts captain, has revealed how his Tynecastle summer signing is already making an impact after making his Dundee debut.
The Dark Blues have begun the new season with the ex-Jambos man as head coach, and they drew 0-0 with Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Yan Dhanda started and played 63 minutes at Rugby Park, where he made his final Premiership appearance for Hearts.
Dhanda began his career at Liverpool, then moved on to Swansea City before joining Ross County, where he was signed by Hearts in 2024.
With his Gorgie minutes limited, Pressley has signed him on loan for the season, and he believes there’s plenty more to come from him as a key player.
Steven Pressley on Yan Dhanda
The Dark Blues’ head coach said of the former Swansea City player and Hearts loanee: “He demonstrated great moments and flashes. He is looking for games again, just like Simon Murray is right now.
He missed the first couple of games, and these two players are critical for us. As previously stated, we must bring them completely up to speed.
Cameron Congreve, who recently joined us from Swansea City, needs to be brought up to speed. We are still chasing key offensive players. Given our resilience, I have genuine hope for us in the future.”
A point in Ayrshire brings Pressley’s side to two points after three games. He added, “That’s a good point.
We’ve had a difficult start to the season, and the games on paper are challenging. The encouraging aspect for us is that in all three, we have seen growth in specific areas.
Steven Pressley on Dundee draw versus Kilmarnock
“It was important to come here and get a clean sheet, as well as to master the fundamentals of the game.
The one thing you need in a squad is spirit and which I saw in all of our teammates today.
“That was very encouraging.” They demonstrated resilience in abundance.
We know we need to improve offensively and with the ball, and I believe that will come with hard work on the practice field and belief. Results like Saturday give you that confidence.
“We have a lot of hard work ahead of us.” We’ve shown some green shoots and a spirit and determination that I’m very proud of. We’re still a million miles away from our desired destination.
We’re getting close on a few [more players]. I’m hoping to get them in the coming week.”
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