Andrew Driver in line for Hearts return

INJURY-HIT Hearts could be boosted by the long-awaited return of winger Andrew Driver at St Johnstone tomorrow after almost three months out.

The 22-year-old has been absent since the 0-0 derby draw against Hibs on 7 November after a frustrating campaign.

Driver missed the start of the season with a heel injury and was then dogged with a knee problem that required specialist treatment in London. But Driver, who has made just nine appearances this term, has returned to full training and may be in line to feature at McDiarmid Park.

The Oldham-born player is desperate to finally get his season up and running to aid Hearts and perhaps come into Craig Levein's Scotland thoughts. Driver has been capped at England Under-21 level but the former Scotland schoolboy could switch allegiance.

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo said: "Driver has trained with the team, but he needs a little bit more time. Maybe he can play one half against St Johnstone."

Hearts' 3-0 home defeat to Aberdeen on Wednesday came at further cost with Lee Wallace (groin), Ruben Palazuelos (knee) and Ian Black (back) all out tomorrow, with Scott Robinson (knee) struggling. Black, in particular, was causing concern after he required to be carried off on a stretcher and needed his breathing checked following an awkward fall.

Those injuries, however, could be offset with the return in Perth of Jose Goncalves after a thigh problem, Christian Nade following suspension and possibly Driver's inclusion. Laszlo added: "Jose will be back, definitely. Christian is also back from suspension. The problem is we have too many injured players. We have Ruben out, Ian Black out, Lee Wallace out and Scott Robinson very doubtful. Our squad is not so big and we have so many young players who can't take all this responsibility on their shoulders."

• Hearts will today launch the application process for Rangers fans ahead of the side's SPL clash on Saturday 27 March (kick-off 12.30pm). As has been the case over the last two years, Hearts will handle the sale of all tickets for this game – to home and away supporters. Applications can be made from 7am via www.heartsfc.co.uk.

The deadline for Rangers supporter applications is Friday 5 March at 5pm. The visiting fans have been allocated 3,500 tickets in the Roseburn Stand.