Frail gives Thomson the nod to play on Hearts defence

JASON THOMSON will retain his starting place for a third consecutive first-team appearance on Monday as Robbie Neilson is out of Hearts' trip to Falkirk by a pelvic complaint.

The Scotland internationalist has completed a two-game suspension, during which Thomson deputised at right-back, but the injury means his absence will continue. Interim manager Stephen Frail stressed today that he would have persisted with Thomson in any case.

Neilson has been Hearts' first-choice right-back all season but 20-year-old Thomson helped facilitate a clean sheet in last Saturday's win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle. That, according to Frail, would justify his inclusion against Falkirk even with Neilson fit.

"I don't think Robbie will be fit for Falkirk but it wouldn't pose me a problem in any case," Frail told the Evening News. "I've said all along that if you're in the team you'll stay in if merited. Jason has done more than enough to merit his inclusion against Falkirk.

"I don't know how long Robbie will be missing but it's not a real concern because we have Jason there. We want Robbie back fit, there's no question of that, but we'll see how Jason goes. The defence kept a clean sheet on Saturday and he's playing well so I'm delighted with him."

Meanwhile, Frail has praised the role the club's Youth Academy is having after the likes of Thomson, Gary Glen and Scott Robinson forced their way into first team reckoning recently.

"We've got some terrific young players coming through the Academy," he said. "Although the emphasis has been on young players in the last few weeks, we had seven players from our own system starting the 3-0 win over Inverness.

"It has been a season of change, but we've got some really good players coming up. We've got to protect these lads and give them their opportunity when its right.

"I know nothing gives us more satisfaction than seeing one of the young boys taking their opportunity."

Anthony Basso's agent is willing to reconvene with Hearts to discuss his client's contract extension, stressing that the goalkeeper did not demand a 7000-a-week deal.

"That wasn't the case," said Tomasso Angelini. "I am surprised not to hear from Hearts following our discussions. They made us an offer and we came back with a counter offer. Since then we have heard nothing, but maybe they can call."

The Evening News understands Basso was seeking a wage in the region of 4000-5000 per week. He has not played for Hearts since negotiations broke down and missed the weekend victory over Inverness with a thigh injury.