Fully-fit Hearts striker Nade in line for Inverness start

Published on Wednesday 17 September 2008 09:50

CHRISTIAN NADE is in contention to start a Hearts match for the first time in five months this weekend when Inverness Caledonian Thistle visit Tynecastle.

Manager Csaba Laszlo is contemplating a change in attack following defeat at Falkirk and Nade, whose introduction helped inspire Saturday's improved second-half performance, could be brought in to replace Jamie Mole as the leading striker. The Frenchman last played in the starting 11 on April 19 in a 3-2 victory over St Mirren. He spent the bulk of pre-season following a personal fitness programme, shedding several pounds and improving his stamina, and may now reap the rewards if Laszlo opts to refresh his forward line.

The Hearts manager told the Evening News today: "Christian Nade is a good player who has made a big effort to come back and reach the level of the team.

"He has a definite chance to play, but whether he starts or not we must wait. I don't want to tell this just now. I will be looking in training this week but I don't make promises for anybody about starting. I can talk very positively about every striker we have.

"I have said before that young strikers like Jamie Mole can go down and we must take them out at the right time to help them. Jamie has had six games in the first team and against Falkirk his performance was not the best, but I know he will be available all the time to come back."