Christian Nade poised to learn fate over bust-up next week

CHRISTIAN Nade will learn the extent of his punishment next week following his misconduct charge from Hearts.

The striker has not featured for the Tynecastle club since he allegedly struck team-mate Ian Black in the dressing room in the immediate aftermath of the 2-0 defeat to Celtic, earlier this month. Nade met with Hearts officials to offer an explanation for the incident, since which time the club has carried out an internal inquiry.

Nade has now been sent a letter explaining that investigations are complete. The former Sheffield United player has been allowed leave in order to return to France to attend to a family matter but is due to return to Hearts' Riccarton training complex today.

The 25-year-old has been asked to attend a meeting with the Hearts hierarchy next week, along with representation if he wishes, at which his punishment will be confirmed. Sanctions could range from a heavy fine to the early termination of his contract, which is due to expire at the end of this season.

Hearts were considering the option of extending Nade's deal, on reduced terms, before the recent return of Jim Jefferies as manager but no formal offer was made.

Jefferies' more immediate concern is the trip to Aberdeen in the SPL on Saturday, and the Hearts manager has warned his players to be ready for a Dons backlash.

Mark McGhee's men are on a run of seven games without a win, including a Scottish Cup defeat to Raith Rovers, and Jefferies said: "They will be smarting from their defeats recently and there has been a talk-in up there but we'll go there and concentrate on ourselves. There is a bit of breathing space between us and Aberdeen and we want to try to widen that gap as they have a game in hand. So it's a big game for us."