Knee makes Lee a major final doubt

Hearts midfielder Olly Lee is in a race against time to be fit for Saturday’ s Scottish Cup final against Celtic, having twisted his knee yesterday against the same opponents.

The Tynecastle side fell 2-1 at Celtic Park but manager Craig Levein was more concerned about Lee’s fate after he was forced off only 12 minutes into the game. The player had earlier tried to run off the knock but was eventually replaced by Ryan Edwards.

To make it more frustrating, Lee had not been meant to start. Harry Coch ra ne was supposed to be in the team but fell ill overnight.

“So it’s just sod’s law,” said Levein. “We will just have to see because I would be guessing if I said anything else.

“We have a few on the sidelines who I’m hoping could come back; that’ s Uche Ikpeazu, Peter Haring and A rn audD jo um. John S outtar’s groin was a bit sore at half-time and Michael Smith’ s calves were tight.”

Hearts started the game with three teenagers – Andy Irving, Con nor Smith and Aaron Hickey, who is only 16. “I wouldn’t say it was lowkey but there will be a lot more going on next week,” said Levein. “I thought the kids who came in did really well. I was pleased with all three of them.”