Jason to get dream Hearts start

Published on Tuesday 30 September 2008 09:54

JASON THOMSON will have a precious chance to reclaim the right-back position for Hearts this weekend when he deputises for the suspended Eggert Jonsson against Kilmarnock.

Manager Csaba Laszlo has confirmed to the Evening News that Thomson will return to the team following Jonsson's dismissal for two bookings against Dundee United.

Thomson, 21, made three consecutive appearances at the start of the season but found himself demoted in favour of the Iceland internationalist, whom Laszlo has converted from midfield to full-back. With Robbie Neilson still around a month away from first-team duty following surgery, Laszlo is urging Thomson to seize his moment on Saturday.

"We have lost Eggert and I hope we can recover. Jason Thomson played in this position before and I'm sure he will show his best form against Kilmarnock," said the Hungarian.

"It's a big chance for Jason. There is big competition and Eggert has used his chance and played some good games. Now the chance is back with Thomson. Jason knows 100 per cent that he is first choice on Saturday and I don't think he will need any extra motivation." On Neilson, who underwent surgery on his Achilles earlier his month, Laszlo added: "I think Robbie needs a little bit of time. I don't believe he will be back in the team quickly. Maybe in one month we can see him in the team but he needs time after the operation."

Andy Driver remains unavailable, also due to an Achilles problem, and is likely to require another week's rest before resuming training.

"Driver will definitely not make this weekend," said Laszlo. "It's a big question when he will be available. We were very happy to hear he doesn't have a long-term problem but the doctors told me he needs another week. I hope next week he can train again.

"We have a slight problem with Adrian Mrowiec, while Deividas Cesnauskis and David Obua are also injured. We did not show our best form against Dundee United and to lose 3-0 was a very bad result. We will try everything to win the game against Kilmarnock."

Reserve goalkeeper Haraldur Bjornsson has left Hearts to return to full-time education in his native Iceland. The under-21 internationalist failed to make an impact on the first-team and has returned to Reykjavik to study a degree in economics.

He said: "I have been here for three years but feel the time is right to go back home now and concentrate on my education."