Levein: Djou can’t rush players back

Hearts boss Craig Levein claims midfielder Arnaud Djoum is nearing a return after a six-month absence.

The Cameroon internationalist ruptured an Achilles tendon at Ross County in February.

But Djoum is ahead of schedule in his comeback after initially being told he could be out for up to 10 months.

Levein decided against using the 29-year- old in last Tuesday’s Irn-Bru Cup game for Hearts Colts as they fell 2-1 to a fullstrength Staggies.

However, there is every chance Djoum may feature in the reborn reserve league, with Hearts’ first game at Motherwell this Tuesday. Gaffer Levein said: “Arnaud is not far away, he is back in full training now.

“If it wa sn’ t a competitive game against Ross County in the Irn-Bru Cup, I might have thrown him in for a half.

“But I didn’t want to use that competition to play one overage player.

“He should be back, he is looking good and I’ll use the reserve league for him.

“I ’ ve been real l y impressed with him, so that’s a bonus.”

Djoum joined Hearts from Polish side Lech Poznan in the summer of 2015 on a free transfer.

He quickly became a fans favourite in Gorgie and helped Cameroon win the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.