Hearts duo in the frame for return against Saints

Both players featured in Tuesday's friendly against Musselburgh Athletic at Olivebank, with Obua scoring four goals in a game which also accorded Craig Thomson, Jason Thomson and Ryan McGowan valuable match practice.

A cruciate ligament injury sustained on international duty has sidelined Wallace since September, while Obua recently returned to the Hearts first team following a persistent groin problem. Both now have a chance of playing in Sunday's cup tie at Tynecastle.

"He is a naturally fit guy and got up and down the park," Jefferies said of Wallace. "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."

Wallace has an outside chance of starting against St Johnstone although his deputy at left-back, the versatile Spaniard Ruben Palazuelos, has shown consistent form throughout the Scot's absence.

Jefferies praised the attitude of those involved in what was a low-key occasion. According to the manager, the players insisted on taking part because they knew the match practice would benefit them.

"Their attitude was great as sometimes it is difficult to convince them this is the right thing to do but they were all desperate to play," he continued.

"It was good to get them involved. 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."

Jefferies has doubts over Rudi Skacel, who is still nursing a calf injury, and Marian Kello ahead of this weekend.

Both players will now be assessed later in the week after Skacel sat out training earlier this week.