Hearts boss Jefferies silent on Jose Goncalves' recall

Published on Thursday 11 March 2010 13:36

JIM JEFFERIES today refused to reveal whether Jose Goncalves' exile from the Hearts side would resume if Dawid Kucharski is fit for Hearts Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at Motherwell.

• Jose Goncalves

Contract rebel Goncalves was handed a shock recall for Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Dundee United, with the Jambos missing 14 players at Tannadice.

It was the Portuguese defender's first appearance under Jefferies, who had previously indicated the player would not be selected while he continued to refuse to sign a new deal.

Kucharski was expected to train today following a groin injury, while the versatile Eggert Jonsson is available again after suspension.

But Jefferies remains without Marius Zaliukas and Ismael Bouzid, who has seen a specialist about his hamstring injury.

"I'll have to wait to see who's available first before I decide who plays anywhere," said Jefferies.

"Today's the day we'll chat and set up how we want.

"Last week, I had a few players playing out of position, so there's one or two I'd like to get out of those positions and back into their normal positions."

Scott Robinson and Jamie MacDonald should be fit to return but captain Michael Stewart will be missing again with a calf injury and is "touch and go" for next weekend's Edinburgh derby.

Jefferies is also eyeing a surprise comeback for winger Andrew Driver against Hibernian, saying: "I'm hoping to twist the physios arm.

"There might be an outside chance of him being on the bench for the Hibs game.

"Realistically, that maybe just a little bit too early. It might be the following week."

Fellow knee injury victim Ruben Palazuelos could return to training next week.

Christian Nade will be in the squad this weekend after being given a "final warning" about his conduct following disciplinary action taken against him for punching team-mate Ian Black.

Meanwhile, Jefferies confirmed Nade and Hearts' other misfiring forwards would be treated to a striking masterclass by all-time top scorer John Robertson today.

"He's not employed, he's not under contract," Jefferies said of Robertson, who did a similar favour for him at Kilmarnock. "It's great

to see him come in and give something back."