I've found my form figures

Boyce reckons shirt number change can spark scoring run

- STEPHEN HALLIDAY

LIAM BOYCE knows his numbers just haven't added up over the past two seasons.

Now the striker is hoping a superstitious change of shirt can help put his injury woes behind him and rediscover his prolific scoring form for Hearts.

Boyce has been plagued by misfortune since suffering cruciate knee damage which sidelined him for most of the 2022-23 campaign.

Last season then saw major hamstring issues restrict him to just 10 starts and one goal for the Gorgie side.

But the Northern Ireland international hit the ground running on Saturday as he grabbed Jambos' goal in the first preseason friendly against Leyton Orient at Tynecastle.

Boyce has worn the No.10 jersey for the club in previous years but emerged at the weekend with 27 on his back.

The 33-year-old revealed that summer negotiations with his team-mates have finally seen him reunited with a number which holds huge personal significance.

Boyce said: "I have 27 tattooed on me.