Relief for Jambos after Walker injury fears ease

Hearts’ injury woes have eased slightly after it was confirmed Jamie Walker’s hamstring injury is not as bad as first feared.

Walker pulled up with a hamstring injury early in the second half of a 3-1 defeat by Rangers last Saturday and there were fears he could be kept out for at least a month in what would have been a serious blow to Craig Levein.

However the wide player is expected to return to face Partick Thistle after the international break to the relief of the manager, who has been forced to field a host of youngsters in his midfield as well as play players out of position.

Levein will welcome back Don Cowie against Kilmarnock at BT Murrayfield tomorrow after the experienced midfielder returned from a calf complaint and he is one of a number of key players nearing a return to action.

“Jamie is not as bad as first feared,” the manager said.

“He won’t make Sunday but I am hoping that him, Connor Randall, Prince (Buaben), Arnaud Djoum and Aaron (Hughes) will all be back for the Partick match.”

He added: “There’s been a lot of emotional stuff going on as well in playing away from home and constantly travelling.

“I think there’s a bit of stress involved and that can have an impact on players.”

Meanwhile Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke has doubts over three players for the trip to Murrayfield.

Rory McKenzie, Chris Burke and Dom Thomas did not train with the squad yesterday due to knocks.

Iain Wilson (knee), Gary Dicker (stomach), Greg Kiltie (ankle) and Steven Smith (back) remain out.