Jambos players returning

ROBBIE Neilson declared himself pleased with the way his injured Hearts contingent are returning to contention ahead of the Scottish Cup final against Rangers.

The Jambos have been hit with a spate of fitness issues surrounding key players in recent weeks, but Neilson is confident everyone except Beni Baningime will be available for the Hampden showdown.

After Stephen Kingsley and Andy Halliday returned to the squad against Ross County last weekend, John Souttar, Michael Smith and Cammy Devlin are all back in the frame for today’s trip to Celtic.

“We have Souttar, Smith and Devlin back involved with the group tomorrow as we build them back in,” said Neilson. “We’re gradually getting there. I’m pleased with the way it’s going.

“The plan is for them all to feature before the final.

“A couple of them will be on the bench tomorrow, some will be involved against Motherwell on Wednesday and then I’d like to get the majority of them ready for the following week against Rangers here.

“It’s really important mentally the players are ready, but also physically to give them that wee bit of game-time before they go into a big game.”

Robbie Neilson