Stuart Findlay has become a key figure in Hearts’ rise to the top of the Scottish Premiership, with many now wondering if a return to the Scotland national team could be on the horizon for the in-form defender.
The 30-year-old centre-back, who initially joined Hearts on loan from Oxford United in the summer, has now signed a permanent deal at Tynecastle that will keep him at the club until 2028. A familiar name in Scottish football due to his previous spell at Kilmarnock, Findlay has re-established himself in the top flight with consistent performances and impressive statistics.
Findlay has been ever-present in the league this season, contributing five goals and playing a crucial role in a defensive line that has recorded 12 clean sheets under manager Derek McInnes. Notably, he leads the league in clearances with 136, outperforming Celtic’s Liam Scales (106) and Rangers’ John Souttar (90), both of whom have featured in the national team setup.
His aerial dominance has been vital for Hearts in both penalty boxes. His powerful header helped Hearts secure a win over Rangers last month, and his early-season double against Dundee United was instrumental in securing three points on the road.
Findlay’s recruitment followed the club’s data-driven approach, using Jamestown Analytics to evaluate all new signings. “If he had rated poorly, we wouldn’t have signed him,” McInnes revealed in an appearance on Open Goal. “He’s a brilliant boy and a brilliant teammate. He allows you to build around him.”
With Scotland manager Steve Clarke preparing for next year’s European Championship campaign, Findlay’s name may well enter the conversation if his current form continues. The defender earned his only Scotland cap in 2019, scoring in a 6–0 win over San Marino, but has not featured since.
Now a permanent fixture at one of Scotland’s top-performing clubs, and with his best football arguably still ahead, Stuart Findlay may have done enough to put himself back in the national picture.
