Isma sweats over red card appeal
ISMA GONCALVES will plead his case in person at Hampden today as the Hearts striker bids to be free to face Rangers.
The 26-year-old, who hit his side’s winner at Kilmarnock on Saturday, was dismissed by Stephen Finnie at Rugby Park after allegedly lashing out at Kirk Broadfoot.
The Killie defender had hauled him to the ground before pulling his hair and also received a red card.
Hearts wasted no time in launching their appeal and the case will be heard today.
Goncalves will be supported by Jambos assistant head coach Austin MacPhee, with the club confident their presentation will see the decision overturned.
Should Hearts lose, Goncalves will miss this weekend’s trip to Ibrox as well as the game at Motherwell on August 26.
Meanwhile, the Jambos are sweating over the fitness of Don Cowie, Ashley Smith-Brown and Jordan McGhee.
Cowie, 34, has not trained this week as he nurses a hamstring complaint. Head coach Jon Daly will analyse his condition over the next 48 hours but he is a major doubt for the trip to Ibrox.
Cowie’s absence would be a hammer blow, given the ex-Cardiff and Watford star has been a consistent performer during a tumultuous 2017 in Gorgie.
Daly said: “Don came off with a tight hamstring at the end of the game at Killie. You can never tell how quickly it will loosen off but we’re hopeful.”
“Don has great energy levels and experience. He’s been a vital player for us so he’s one we’re really keen to have available.”
Young left-back Smith- Brown, who has been plagued by injury since joining on loan from Manchester City, faces a race against time to return in time for this weekend.
He has made one appearance for Hearts in the Betfred Cup – being withdrawn after 28 minutes against Elgin – and has missed league games against Celtic and Kilmarnock due to an ankle complaint.
McGhee, meanwhile, has also yet to make a league outing as he battles an ankle knock.
A decision on his availability for Saturday will be made later this week.