Jim Jefferies reassures midfield star Ryan Stevenson over new Hearts deal

HEARTS boss Jim Jefferies has told midfielder Ryan Stevenson he doesn't need to worry about his contract being up in the summer, saying: "He's certainly in our thoughts for the future."

The former Chelsea player, who was Jefferies' first signing after he arrived back for a second spell at Tynecastle just under a year ago, admitted recently he needed game time to try and earn a new deal.

And, after playing from the start against Motherwell and coming on as an early substitute against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the last two matches, Stevenson looks as though he has already done that.

Due to the bad weather, a planned meeting between Jefferies and club officials to discuss players and contracts has had to be postponed.

But, according to the manager, Stevenson can concentrate on his football in the second half of the season without the worry of thinking he might be surplus to requirements next summer.

"I've twice spoken to Ryan now and re-confirmed things to him the other day, telling him to concentrate on training and taking his opportunities when they come along the way he has been doing and not worry about anything," said Jefferies.

"He got a start against Motherwell (after Ian Black missed out through illness) and then came on early last Saturday and played extremely well.

"We've got an option on his contract and I'll be sitting down with Mr Romanov and Sergei (Fedotovas]. It was supposed to be this week, in fact, but the weather put paid to that.

"But I've had a quiet word with Ryan, telling him not to worry as it will all be sorted out in due course. He's certainly in our thoughts for the future."

Whether Stevenson retains his place in the starting line up for the Boxing Day clash against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park remains to be seen, with Jefferies' mind likely to be made up by Ismael Bouzid being fit or not.

The Algerian defender has not fully recovered from the knock he picked up against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, which saw Stevenson slot into midfield as Adrian Mrowiec moved back into the defence.

"Bouzid is the only concern (for the Kilmarnock game)," reported Jefferies. "He was improving but felt it a bit on Tuesday when he was doing some work with the physio."

The Hearts boss is still not ruling out the possibility of Lee Wallace making his return from injury in the New Year's Day derby clash at Tynecastle. But, in addition to the weather stopping the Scotland defender getting a game on a grass pitch, he also warned that the form of Ruben Palazuelos might prevent that from happening,

"Lee is progressing very well, the only thing hitting him now is the weather as we need to get him a couple of games," said Jefferies.

"He's a naturally fit boy and has been working hard. He's also back training with us but he can't spend too much time indoors as we don't want to run the risk of a setback.

"Earlier in the week we had a closed game with Queen of the South at Toryglen involving boys who've been on the bench and also the likes of David Obua and Jason Thomson, who are coming back from injury.

"We were hoping Lee might also have taken part in that. Lee had a target of being back for the derby and if it hadn't been for the weather he would have had a chance. His problem is going to be getting in the team as Ruben Palazuelos has been outstanding since he settled in there. I think he's been one of best players in this run and maybe the fact Lee is a quality player is driving him to play well and make it hard for me to bring Lee back in."