Cup tie may see Hearts return for Lee Wallace

The Scotland left-back was an unused substitute in the wins over St Mirren and Hibernian, but played 90 minutes of a friendly against Musselburgh Athletic on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old could make his first appearance since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in Scotland's win over Liechtenstein in September when Hearts host St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup fourth round at Tynecastle this Sunday.

Manager Jim Jefferies told the club's website, www.heartsfc.co.uk: "He is a naturally fit guy and got up and down the park yesterday.

"He's been on the bench for the last two games and I would have used him if I needed to. He can play at the back, he can play wide left, which is an advantage, and I'd like to be in a position where I can bring him on gradually.

"There are various places he can be an asset to us. Yesterday's game will have helped him and he's in contention for consideration."

Ugandan utility man David Obua, who came off the bench at Saints and was an unused replacement against Hibs, and Jason Thomson also played after recovering from injuries, while Craig Thomson and Ryan McGowan were also involved after being on the periphery of the first team.

"It was good to get them involved," added Jefferies. "It was good to get the guys out on grass again and the main objective was to get them out in the fresh air, get air in their lungs again and have them working with the ball.

"There was a real mix of the young players and the senior players who needed a game. It was more like a training match, but a worthwhile exercise nonetheless."

Midfielder Rudi Skacel, who has been nursing a calf injury, sat out training yesterday and will be assessed later in the week, while goalkeeper Marian Kello's back injury continues to improve.

Meanwhile, David Witteveen left the club at the end of his contract last month and the Austrian striker played as a free agent for Stirling Albion last weekend.