Big boost for Hearts as four back in frame
Four Hearts players are fit and available after injury as the club prepare for Saturday's Premiership match against Kilmarnock at Tynecastle Park, writes Barry Anderson.
Centre-back Frankie Kent is back in full training after the knee problem which precluded him from Hearts' last three matches. Midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof, below, is also taking part in full sessions following a hamstring tear. Fellow midfielder Scott Fraser had a calf issue and missed the last two matches, however the Charlton Athletic loanee is expected to rejoin Hearts' matchday squad this week. Also available is winger Barrie McKay after three months out with a knee complaint.
Naismith told the Edinburgh News that all four players are in contention to feature against Kilmarnock.
"It's good to get [Frankie and Calem] back. Their injuries came at a time when the two of them were ina good rhythm and playing very confidently. You are going to miss your players who are on form and doing well. Fortunately, the injuries weren't too bad that they were out for too long.
"Barrie McKay is in contention and Scott Fraser has come back. Scott trained last week rather than play in our bounce game and he is feeling much better again this week, so he is involved. There doesn't seem to be any noises of injuries from the international boys so the squad has definitely beefed up slightly from what it was before the break.
"We have good competition for places now as we've got three league games and a Scottish Cup semi-final to look forward to. I expect us to be competitive at training because everybody wants to be involved.
"The next month is a big one for us, it's a really important
period."