Berra in the mix to face Rangers

Hearts captain Christophe Berra is poised for a fast-track return against Rangers with fellow centre-back Jimmy Dunne nursing an ankle injury. Dunne suffered a knock in training which opens the door for Berra’s comeback after four months out with a torn hamstring.

The 33-year-old played 45 minutes in a friendly against Linlithgow Rose on Wednesday night and emerged unscathed. The Hearts manager Craig Levein will check on him in training today but, should Dunne’s ankle complaint preclude him, Berra will be called upon to partner Clevid Dikamona against Rangers tomorrow.

“I want to wait and watch training, see how Christophe feels as well,” explained Levein. “Being an experienced player, we’ll see how far down the road he thinks he is to full fitness.

“There’s no reaction to the injury. Sometimes, in these situations, something else can be a problem but he’s been quite diligent, as he is with everything, in his rehab. I expect him to be okay.”

Steven Naismith is also on the mend, from a knee injury. The striker began jogging at Riccarton yesterday and is expected to return later this month.

ON THE BAWL, PULL-OUT