Obua hopes to return for visit of Hibs

Published on Tuesday 9 August 2011 13:28

Hearts are hopeful that David Obua will return to first-team action before the end of the month as he recovers from the hamstring injury which has precluded him from the club's last three matches.

The Ugandan has not featured since the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round against Paksi in Hungary. The injury saw him miss SPL matches against Dundee United and Motherwell, plus the return game with Paksi at Tynecastle. He had started the campaign in fine form, scoring a header in the 1-1 draw with Rangers on the opening day.

Medical staff have been working intensively with Obua and he is scheduled to return in time for the Edinburgh derby with Hibs on August 28. He could yet be involved in the Europa League play-off tie with Tottenham Hotspur.

Meanwhile, Hearts players should learn at the end of the month how much bonus money they are to receive for finishing third in the SPL last season. That will follow an SFA appeals hearing into the club's record 100,000 fine for poor onfield discpline. The Tynecastle hierarchy have informed the squad that the amount of the final punishment issued by the SFA will be deducted from their bonus pot. Hearts' appeal against the sanction is to be heard at the end of the month.

Of the punishment, 60,000 is due to be paid immediately, with the remainder suspended until January subject to improved discipline. Hearts argue that their disciplinary record improved significantly last season and that the punishment meted out is harsh. They received five red cards and 92 yellow last year, compared with 10 reds and 89 yellows the previous season.