Kye Rowles reveals Hearts transfer alternative as Australian international waxes lyrical about dream destination

Rowles is in japan with the Socceroos for a World Cup qualifier but is keen to sample the J League one day

Kye Rowles would love a crack at playing in Japan.

The Hearts defender is currently in Tokyo with the Australia squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against the Samurai Blue. He'll be up against familiar foes in Celtic's Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate. Japan lead Group C but the Socceroos are looking to reel them in after coming from behind to beat China in new head coach Tony Popovic's first game in charge last week.

Rowles is contracted to Hearts until 2028 after penning a new five-year deal last year. This season hasn't gone to plan for the Jambos though, who sit bottom of the table and without a manager after Steven Naismith's sacking. Neil Critchley is expected to be confirmed as his replacement in the coming days and Rowles should get to meet his new boss when he returns to Tynecastle ahead of this Saturday's Premiership clash with St Mirren.

That's his immediate focus, but longer term, he seems well up for trying the J League if the opportunity presents itself: “The football here is amazing, especially the last few years," he said. "It’s really come into the limelight – which is good obviously for Asian players as well.

"You can see them getting taken into the bigger leagues and excelling there as well. So obviously, the game and the league is at a really strong point.

“We’ve got a couple of boys over here doing well as well. That’s always good.

“You keep up to date with things over here, because you’re keen on how your boys are doing as well. Like I said, it’s just overall top quality and I would love to play here.

“Whatever happens in my career happens I guess. I’m focused on where I am at Hearts at the moment and loving it but to try other parts as well would be great in your career.”

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