Hearts await scan feedback on Barrie McKay's latest injury

Naismith hopes playmaker will not face extended spell on sidelines

Hearts manager Steven Naismith is hoping for some positive news on Barrie McKay’s latest injury.

The 29-year-old was injured during the recent derby victory and missed the Gorgie side’s final two matches before the winter break, leading to concerns that he could be facing another prolonged period on the sidelines. But his gaffer has revealed that while the latest setback affects the same knee that was injured against PAOK, in the Conference League play-off in August, and took the player three months to get over, the recovery timeline is expected to be shorter this time.

“It’s the same knee but it’s not specifically the same injury,” explained the Hearts boss. “We will hear some feedback from his scan on the 5th. We will find out then what the timescale is for it. Everybody seems to be thinking that it is not as serious as before. That’s the indication we’ve got but we will wait and see what the specialist says.”

Barrie McKay did not feature in Hearts' final couple of games before the winter break. Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group

McKay has had a difficult season, after he sat out most of the build up and the early action with an ankle problem. The creative player returned to the line-up in time for the club’s 3-1 European win over Rosenborg, and enjoyed starts against Partick Thistle in the League Cup and then PAOK before being forced out for several months. He managed four appearances in December, against Rangers, Celtic, St Mirren and Hibs, before the latest setback. But, with the players now able to enjoy an almost three week lull before competitive action resumes with the Scottish Cup trip to face League Two Spartans, it is hoped that McKay will not miss too much action.