FORMER City boss Jim Jefferies is convinced Ryan McGowan will be a major boost for his old club.

The Australian international is poised to feature at Oldham this weekend.

And Jefferies, who gave McGowan his senior debut for Hearts, believes they have got a top capture.

Jefferies said: “There’s no doubt Stuart (McCall) has got a very good signing with Ryan.

“He can play anywhere in the back four and he’s comfortable on the ball.

“Ryan can play as a wing back and a centre half as well as in midfield. He likes to get forward, he’s got a bit of pace about him and he’s very good in the air.”

McGowan was pitched in for his first senior start by Jefferies against Rangers in May 2011.

Hearts lost that game 4-0 but returned to Ibrox to open the following season, when the defender excelled in a 1-1 draw.

Jefferies said: “We played great and should have had it dead and buried at half-time.

“It was a strong Rangers team, with the likes of (Steven) Naismith and (Nikica) Jelavic, but we let them off the hook.

“Ryan was playing against a little Spanish winger called Juan Ortiz, who was supposed to be a big signing for them.

“But Ryan had him in his pocket and got man of the match.

“We knew from then on that he had really got something and he took a lot of confidence from that.”

McGowan has been playing in the UAE for Al-Sharjah but is eyeing a World Cup spot with Australia after signing an 18-month Bantams deal.

Jefferies, now sporting director at Edinburgh City, said: “Stuart and Kenny (Black) obviously know Ryan very well from his time with Hearts and at Dundee United. I’m sure he will fit in well.”