Hearts boss optimistic new striker Elliot will be fit for Celtic

Published on Saturday 4 September 2010 11:57

STEPHEN ELLIOTT'S training programme will intensify next week as he attempts to return from a hamstring injury in time for Hearts' visit to Celtic Park next weekend.

Medical staff at Riccarton remain hopeful that the Irishman (pictured) will recover fully from the problem in time for the trip to Glasgow having managed just 24 minutes of competitive football since arriving from Preston North End last month.

Elliott sustained the injury in a closed-door match at East Fife only days after his Hearts debut against St Johnstone, and manager Jim Jefferies is keen to have the striker available to face Celtic.

"I've got my fingers crossed for Stephen. He's improving fast and we don't want to take any risks," explained Jefferies. "This two-week break is going to be an enormous help. We're hoping he'll be able to step up his training with us next week and therefore have a chance of being available for the next match against Celtic."

Jefferies also anticipates having a fitter David Obua available once the versatile Ugandan returns from international duty. He travelled to his homeland for today's African Nations' Cup qualifier against Angola after featuring in Hearts' closed-door friendly against Motherwell last Monday.

"David came through the game against Dundee United last weekend and then played in a closed-door match against Motherwell on Monday. He's away to Uganda so he'll get another game with them over the weekend, which is a big help to him," said Jefferies.