Hearts favorites Steven Naismith and John Souttar may return for this weekend’s clash with Celtic.
The Edinburgh Evening News reports that the pair are running in training this week ahead of the fixture.
Manager Craig Levein has put a slight dampener on this news, saying that their return depends on how quickly they return to contact training.
He told the Evening News: “Naisy might make the weekend. If not, he will make the Hamilton game. John is the same.
“It would be a massive boost to get those two back so we will keep our fingers crossed we can get them both on the field as quickly as possible.”
Hearts can manage without Souttar for now, Naismith is needed
Both of these players are key stars for Hearts. Naismith is their best attacking player whilst Souttar is arguably the club’s best centre-back.
Whilst he will be eager to have Souttar back, his return isn’t as urgently needed. Levein has Craig Halkett and captain Christophe Berra to pick from, two fine centre-backs at this level.
Naismith’s return is the one he’ll want quickly though. On his return to action for Hearts a few weeks ago against Aberdeen, he scored and helped set up a goal within ten minutes of being on the park.
His influence on the attack is undeniable. Alongside Conor Washington, who scored his first club goal in 18 months last week against Motherwell, the Jambos could have a deadly front two.
It seems as though Levein wants his key men ready for selection as quick as possible. It seems a definite possibility that could happen this week for their trip to Glasgow.