Crocked capital duo get some positive news
Hearts boss Craig Levein is hoping to have defender John Souttar back after the international break.
The Scotland internationalist was forced off in the Premiership opener with Aberdeen after rolling his ankle.
An initial scan showed no serious injury. But the 22-year-old was given a second opinion from a London-based specialist on Friday, who administered an injection to the joint.
Now Levein hopes Souttar will be fit to face Motherwell on September 14.
He said: “John wasn’t progressing as well as we’d hoped, so he went down to London to see a specialist and have another scan.
“The specialist gave him an injection, which is a bit of steroid and painkiller.
“So he’s in a moon boot for five days, after that we’ll progress it from there.”
▪ Paul Heckingbottom insists crocked captain David Gray will remain a pivotal figure for Hibs, despite his latest injury nightmare.
The capital club were rocked with the news that Gray would be sidelined for around three months after sustaining knee ligament damage against St Johnstone last Saturday.
It is the latest in a catalogue of set-backs for the 31-year-old, who has previously endured Achilles, knee and ankle complaints.
However, Heckingbottom is adamant that Gray’s importance behind the scenes will ensure he doesn’t become a forgotten man at Easter Road.
He said: “Dave missed a lot of pre-season but he was thrown in because we needed him.
“We knew he was medically fit, but he was getting all his match fitness in first-team games, which is not ideal for the team or for him. “However, credit to him, he gave it a go. “So, to get this injury now – and for him to be in a brace for six weeks – is such a blow for him. But he will still be vital for us.
“Being away from the boys playing and training can be a problem. You feel a bit isolated, and it takes a lot of character to still be part of it and lift people.
“However, we’ve got a few things we do as a squad through the season, plus David is naturally involved in a lot of things as captain.
“He and Darren McGregor have a slightly different role in terms of their mentorships and ambassadorial work and helping the younger players.
“So there’s lots to do to keep him busy.”