Hearts send duo out on loan

Holt moves to South Yorkshire until the end of the season but the Blades have the option of making the move permanent.

Carrick has joined Raith Rovers on loan for a month after recovering from a hamstring injury and will play against his main employer's rivals in the top half of the Scottish Championship.

Midfielder Holt, who has made 19 appearances this season, told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to be given an opportunity at a club like Sheffield United.

"The season has gone tremendously well so far at Hearts and I'm proud to have played a part. The gaffer has been up front with me throughout the season about chances in the first team.

"I'm looking to play more football, and hopefully I will be afforded that chance at Bramall Lane."

Head coach Robbie Neilson added: "It's a great chance for Jason to go to different surroundings and try to impress.

"I'm a big fan of Jason and he wants to play football. He's found opportunities to do that here limited, so this move should suit all parties. I wish him all the best."

On Carrick, Neilson said: "It was one of the reasons we put Dale out on loan; to get his fitness back up.

"He's struggled a little bit with injury. He got injured in pre-season, came back and then got injured again. This gives him a chance to go out and play in five really good games.

"Raith have got Hibs, Falkirk, Rangers twice and Livingston so it's a good chance for him to go and play games and get his fitness up.

"Then he can get himself back 100 per cent for the run-in for ourselves."

Hearts aim to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season, against Falkirk, when they travel to Alloa.

Neilson said: "I feel that we have to make sure that we have to concentrate on what we're good at and try and get back to that.

"One game out of 21 that we didn't quite hit the standards that we should. You're never going to get a whole season where you win every game and play consistently well throughout every period in every game."

Carrick could make his Raith debut at Easter Road and Hibs head coach Alan Stubbs knows his men will need to be wary.

Stubbs told Hibs TV: "They will definitely be a threat. They are on a good run of form so will be coming to Easter Road full of confidence and wanting to cause an upset.

"But if we play to the standards we are capable, we know we are going to be a difficult team for anyone to play against."