FOR HEARTS
HEARTS star Michael Smith faces a race against time to be fit for the showdown with Aberdeen on Saturday.
The 29-year-old was forced to sit out of the Tynecastle club’s 1-1 draw against Dundee last weekend after suffering a recurrence of a persistent back complaint in training.
Ross Callachan deputised for the Northern Ireland international – who has been utilised in the heart of midfield by head coach Craig Levein recently – and opened the scoring with a fine curling effort at Dens Park.
Nevertheless, Levein is hopeful Smith will be back in contention for the visit of the Dons.
The Hearts gaffer said: “Michael had a problem with his back in training. He has had it previously and it comes and goes.
“He missed a few games BY ALAN MARSHALL before the winter break with it but he had an injection and that seemed to help.
“We’ll see how he is in terms of being able to play against Aberdeen.”
Meanwhile, Levein admits injuries have wrecked Prince Buaben’s season as the midfielder’s Hearts career hangs in the balance.
The 29-year-old faces yet another stint on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring strain.
Levein said: “Prince has had one thing after another and has never really had a run of games. His displays when he has played have not been as good as in the past. I put that down to the fact he has not had the chance to train and play consistently.
“It’s been a disappointing season for him.”