Hearts have appointed Jon Daly as interim boss after sacking Ian Cathro just days before their Scottish Premiership opener against champions Celtic.

Cathro's eight-month spell in charge at Tynecastle came to an abrupt end when he was dismissed on Tuesday and Hearts director of football Craig Levein has turned to Daly to prepare the squad for Saturday's trip to Celtic Park.

Former Dundee United and Rangers striker Daly had been working as Hearts Under-20 coach and will be supported by Austin MacPhee, Cathro's former number two, and first-team coach Liam Fox.

"Following on from (Tuesday's) announcement, the club can confirm that the recruitment process is already under way to identify and appoint a new permanent head coach," Hearts said in a statement on Wednesday.

"During this process, Jon Daly has been asked to take charge of first-team matters on an interim basis, supported by the current coaching team of assistant head coach Austin MacPhee and first-team coach Liam Fox.

"This interim set-up will take charge of the first team's Ladbrokes Premiership match at Celtic on Saturday, and until a new head coach has been appointed."

Former Hearts players Paul Hartley, Gary Naymith and Steven Pressley have been linked with the job as the Edinburgh club begin their search for a permanent boss.

Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston, St Johnstone chief Tommy Wright and Partick boss Alan Archibald are also reported to be candidated.