WE WON’T TAKE A RISK ON KYLE
Laff crock sweat ahead of ICT cup crunch
HEARTS are sweating over the fitness of Kyle Lafferty ahead of their Betfred Cup decider against Inverness.
The striker, who notched 19 goals for the Jambos last term, was withdrawn after a subdued 54-minute showing in Tuesday night’s 5-0 rout of Cowdenbeath.
He was replaced at the same time against Cove Rangers in his previous outing.
It is understood Lafferty has been struggling with a back complaint and has received treatment this week.
Hearts must beat Caley Thistle at home on Sunday to top Group C and secure safe passage to the last 16. But boss Craig Levein is keen not to aggravate the knock ahead of their Premiership opener against Hamilton on August 4.
Levein is expected to make a decision on the Northern Ireland frontman’s availability following training this morning.
Should Lafferty fail win his fitness race he is likely to be replaced in the starting line-up by Uche Ikpeazu who netted his first Hearts goal against the Blue Brazil and is already emerging as a fans’ favourite due to his work ethic and raw physicality.
Levein said: “Uche is a hugely willing boy. He is just desperate to do well and obviously has his strengths.
“If we can use him in such a way that we get the best from his ability then he will be a great asset for us.
“He is something different from Kyle and it’s good to have someone who gives us that presence.”
Hearts have been boosted by the impending return of wonderkid Harry Cochrane.
The 17-year-old is yet to feature this season due to a persistent ankle knock and was sent for a scan early this week.
But Cochrane has been given the green light to step up his workload and took part in full training yesterday.