Hearts' Bouzid in France to see specialist

The centre-back has not played since the Co-operative Cup semi-final against St Mirren on 2 February, when he injured one hamstring before damaging the other four weeks later.

The problems have caused concern at Riccarton and Bouzid has been given permission to consult French specialists in an attempt to remedy the complaint and return him to fitness.

"Ismael is in France to see about his injury," said the player's agent, Thomas Boehm, who met with Hearts officials last week to discuss his client's future. The talks followed comments from Bouzid hinting that he may look to leave Tynecastle this summer.

"I was in Edinburgh for a meeting," continued Boehm. "Ismael has a contract with Hearts and everything is okay. I expect him to stay with Hearts next season but we did not discuss a new contract. He has another year and everything is well."

Aside from Bouzid, goalkeeper Marian Kello remains sidelined with a fractured wrist and is not expected to be fit again until next month. The Slovakian was identified by Jim Jefferies as the club's first choice last month but has had to watch Janos Balogh perform impressively in his place of late.

"Marian is a few weeks away yet," said Jefferies. "We are only three quarters of the way through the period we were told it would take to heal his fracture. He is still feeling it so we've told him to be patient and let the healing process continue."

Following Saturday's Edinburgh derby, Jefferies singled out David Obua for special praise. The versatile Ugandan delivered one of his finest performances since joining Hearts in summer 2008, causing relentless problems for Hibs in his side's 2-1 victory.

"David did stand out," continued Jefferies. "He won more than his fair share against Sol Bamba in the air and his movement and touch made him a hard man to play against. He linked up well, created a number of chances for us and was unlucky on a number of occasions himself.

"I'm not sure if he ever thought he could play in that position. He has played off the front before but that's different to what we're doing with him and he has impressed us. He showed good technique and the move that set up Gary Glen when he went through on the keeper was excellent link-up play. He's useful on the ground, not just in the air."

Meanwhile, Jefferies confirmed Hearts' reserve defender David Armstrong has joined Raith Rovers on loan to help ease manager John McGlynn's defensive injury problems. "John has been struggling at the back with injuries so we've allowed David to move there on loan."