Connor Randall admits he did not know what he was joining when moving to Hearts this season – after a turbulent first week in Edinburgh.

The 21-year-old moved to the Scottish Premiership on loan from Liverpool but has seen head coach, Ian Cathro, already lose his job.

Randall was an unused substitute as Hearts crashed out of the League Cup following a home draw with second-tier Dunfermline Athletic, suffering the ignominy of taking a penalty shoot-out – which they lost – in front of emptying Tynecastle.

That was enough for Hearts to part company with Cathro, with Jon Daly named interim coach ahead of the league campaign.

Daly brought Randall off the bench in the opener against champions Celtic, losing 4-1.

Speaking before the defeat to Brendan Rodgers’ side, Randall revealed he only had one conversation with the man who took him to the club before his sacking.

“It’s been eventful, hasn’t it? Obviously it’s not a nice situation for anyone but all the lads are just rallying together and doing what we can.

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“I only had one conversation with Ian but he’s gone now and Jon is in charge at the moment. Ian wanted me to bring a lot of energy and a work rate to the team. I think that’s what any manager wants. I know the fans definitely want that because I saw it (last) Saturday. They just want someone to work and give everything for the shirt.

“I wasn’t aware of Hearts’ situation before I came up. I knew they had a bad result the other week (at Peterhead) but I wasn’t aware of everything. On Saturday I was on the bench and I saw the frustration from the fans. It became a bit more clear. What happened isn’t nice for anybody but, as players, we can only focus on what we can control.

“This is massive for me. I’m really excited and I can’t wait to get going. I’m excited to get some minutes in me. I’m looking forward to playing games and hopefully helping Hearts.”

Randall emerged at Celtic Park in a midfield role – a position where he began his career in Liverpool’s Academy before converting to full back.

The Kirkby-born youngster says he will be featuring a lot more in midfield this season, and possibly in a no.10 role.

“We had a discussion when I came in and that’s what I was told,” he added to Edinburgh News. “Obviously, if the team needs me in another position I can play in different places but it really excites me to play in midfield. I like playing in there and I think I can offer the team good things in there.

“I can sit in midfield or play one in front. I’ve got a lot of energy. I get up and down the pitch and I’m very energetic. I like to press players and be aggressive.

“Speaking to the coaching staff here, that’s what they want. They want that energy, they want everyone working hard and giving 100 per cent for the team and the fans every time they’re on the pitch. That’s what I’ll bring.”

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Randall has made eight appearances for the Reds after Jurgen Klopp handed him his debut in December 2015, starting in their 6-1 League Cup win at Southampton.

But after only one appearance last season – in the FA Cup defeat to Wolves – Randall has headed north of the border in search of more regular playing time.

“He (Klopp) gave my chance, bringing me up to the first-team squad when he came in,” he said. “I’m grateful for that. When he brought me into the squad he was just great with me.

“He’s great with all the young lads. He’s a great character and a good manager to play under. Everyone wants to play for him and work for him.

“He’s great for young players as well as older guys. He gets the best out of his teams so he’s a great manager for Liverpool.

“I’ve learned a lot being there every day training with the players and the coaching staff. It’s a valuable experience. Now I’m here for that next step, which is to get first-team football consistently. Hopefully I can do that at Hearts.”