A return to Rangers in January next year is not on Alex Lowry's radar as things stand. 

The Ibrox club is set to appoint a new manager in the coming days as they work on recruiting a permanent successor to Michael Beale.

It was Beale who sanctioned the move for Lowry to join Hearts on loan towards the end of the summer transfer window.

And while the attacking midfielder is keeping tabs on the managerial situation at his parent club, he insists his full focus is on making the best possible impact he can at Tynecastle, while also nailing down a starting slot for Scotland's under-21s.

The 20-year-old was outstanding during his time on the field in the 2-2 Edinburgh derby clash against Hibernian on Saturday. He scored the hosts' second and was substituted off a short while after. 

It added to his goal tally having already dramatically scored the winner at Rugby Park to send Hearts into the semi-finals of the Viaplay Cup.

There's no doubt that Lowry's impressive performances have got Rangers fans questioning why he's playing for Hearts and not their club, with some pointing to his recall clause at the half-way point in the season.

But the talented youngster claims heading back to Auchenhowie at the moment hasn't registered.

He told the media: “It’s not in my mind, my main aim is to perform for Hearts right now. Whatever happens in January happens. I couldn’t tell you who the next manager is going to be, so it’s nothing to do with me.

“My focus is on impressing Steven Naismith and if he’s playing me then I’ll hopefully keep getting picked for the 21s. That’s all I can control, my own form, so I just have to do my best and see what happens.”

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He added: “It’s a big season for me. This has been my main breakthrough season because although I made my debut two seasons ago, last season I was constantly injured and a few other things happened.

“This season I’ve started afresh and hopefully I can really get going. Going to Hearts has given me something completely different.

“I’d been in the enclosed walls of Rangers so I knew what pressure was like. But coming to Hearts it has been a case of ‘wow’ because it’s so pressurised there too. I have loved every minute of it so far.”