Hearts' Craig Thomson set to resume training

HEARTS are hopeful full-back Craig Thomson will resume training next week, with manager Jim Jefferies admitting the teenager is pushing club physio Rob Marshall to the limit in an effort to return from injury.

Thomson damaged cartilage in his left knee during December's victory over Celtic and, after undergoing surgery, has spent the last two months rehabilitating.

His recuperation period is now nearing an end and Marshall is ready to grant permission for him to rejoin first-team colleagues on the training fields of Riccarton. However, Jefferies revealed today that the physio has had an onerous task trying to keep Thomson in check. "It's not the physio who's pushing Craig, I think it's Craig who's pushing the physio," laughed the manager.

"Craig is champing at the bit to get back so Rob is getting ready to unleash him shortly. He should be training with us next week, Rob is just making sure everything is right by the time he comes back because of the time he's been out."

Jefferies added that it will be several weeks before supporters can expect to see Thomson back in the first-team as he strives to build up fitness levels. "I think it will be a few weeks yet before he can play," he said.

"I think it's great players have the attitude to get back playing. I wouldn't like to think there's anyone in the treatment room who likes being there. You want to be on the training pitch and getting back into the team. That's the attitude Craig's got."