Wallace back for Hearts in time for derby

Published on Tuesday 5 May 2009 09:52

LEE WALLACE will return to Hearts' starting line-up against Hibs on Thursday after recovering from illness, however Ruben Palazuelos remains doubtful with an ankle complaint which sidelined him from the weekend defeat at Ibrox.

Manager Csaba Laszlo today reported good news on the health of his squad but remains concerned over Palazuelos, whose influence in central midfield would be sorely missed against Hibs. Wallace's availability would lend extra balance to a defence which had no natural left-sided player against Rangers.

The Spaniard is being monitored by Hearts' medical staff but Laszlo is not convinced he will be fit enough for the frenetic confrontations of a derby match. He will be given more time to prove his fitness tomorrow before the manager makes a final decision on his squad.

"I am not sure with Ruben. Maybe he can play next Tuesday against Aberdeen but he is doubtful for Thursday," said Laszlo. "Lee was close on Sunday but we did not want to risk his health against Rangers. He trained yesterday and I hope he is okay for Hibs."

Laszlo is also undecided over who will play in goal with Janos Balogh now fully recovered from a rib injury. Marian Kello, the Slovakian on loan from FBK Kaunas, has started the last two matches but the manager considers Balogh to be the club's first-choice.

"I have not decided about the goalkeepers," he said. "Balogh was injured and Kello had the possibility to stay in the goal. I will decide on Thursday. I don't think we lost the Rangers game because of any mistakes by Kello. We are a team and I won't accuse anybody in public.

"We must concentrate as a team over the next four games and then we have the possibility to qualify for the Europa League. We must look to take points, especially at home. We must take points against Hibs and against Dundee United, and away against Aberdeen. These games are very close together, Thursday, Tuesday and next Saturday.

"I think in these three games the (European] decision will be made. We must concentrate on keeping our position in the table."

Meanwhile, former Hearts winger Saulius Mikoliunas held tentative signing talks with Swansea City over the weekend and is waiting to see if a formal contract offer will be forthcoming from the English Championship club.

Mikoliunas, who recently severed ties with both Hearts and FBK Kaunas following a pay dispute with the Lithuanian side, visited the Liberty Stadium and met Swansea officials as manager Roberto Martinez looks to reinforce his squad for next season.

Stephen Dobbie, the Queen of the South striker, is another Swansea target and he is expected to sign a pre-contract agreement in Wales this week.