Hearts sweat on Danny Wilson’s hamstring

The captain limped off during Sunday's Edinburgh derby. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The defender aggravated a hamstring problem during Sunday’s 1-1 Edinburgh derby draw with Hibs and had to be replaced in the second half by Jordan McGhee. The results of the player’s scan have confirmed that the 22-year-old faces a spell on the sidelines.

The Tynecastle outfit are not in action this weekend due to the Scottish Cup but Wilson is set to miss the forthcoming matches against Raith Rovers and Falkirk.

Championship pacesetters Hearts welcome Rangers, whom they currently lead by seven points, to Gorgie on 22 November and head coach Robbie Neilson is hopeful of having Wilson available for that clash. The versatile McGhee looks set to be the main beneficiary of Wilson’s  absence from the team.

After Wilson initially sustained the hamstring injury during the 11 October victory at Alloa, McGhee deputised in the recent win over Dumbarton before coming on for his team-mate at Easter Road.

Neilson is currently also without Dale Carrick after the striker tore his hamstring during a recent Under-20s clash with St Mirren. Neilson said: “Dale will be out for a while. You’re probably looking at him being out for a maximum of a month.”

Marksman James Keatings, however, is in contention to return from a four-game absence in the 8 November visit of Raith after receiving treatment for a groin complaint.