Hearts' Marius Zaliukas on course to face Rangers

HEARTS have been handed a timely boost for their upcoming match against Rangers with the news that Marius Zaliukas is on course to recover from his calf injury.

• Marius Zaliukas

The Lithuanian was replaced by Ian Black during his side's 1 - 0 defeat of St Mirren and left Tynecastle on crutches.

The 26-year-old has reported an improvement in his condition since the weekend and looks set to keep his place for Hearts' trip to Ibrox on Saturday.

Jose Goncalves could also be in line to face Walter Smith's side, with the defender due back in training this week following a successful course of treatment on his injured thigh in Germany.

Manager Csaba Laszlo told his club's official website, www.heartsfc.co.uk: "I don't know exactly what the situation is with everyone as I'm not back at the academy until tomorrow.

"It is the players' day off today but definitely I want as many of our important players fit and back in the team.

"If we can get them all back then this is positive news."

Hearts victory over St Mirren saw Csaba Laszlo's men, who sit fifth in the SPL, continue their unbeaten run to six games.