Hearts: Eggert Jonsson may miss clash at Easter Road

EGGERT JONSSON could miss the second leg of Iceland's European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Scotland at Easter Road.

The Hearts midfielder will feature in Thursday's first leg in Reykjavik but may then be elevated to the senior squad for their Euro 2012 qualifier with Portugal the following Tuesday.

That scenario would see him remain in the Icelandic capital and preclude him from the under-21 return fixture at the home of his club's greatest rivals, which takes place just 24 hours before the Portugal match.

Jonsson is one of seven full internationalists named in Eyjolfur Sverrisson's under-21 squad, and senior coach Olafur Johannesson wants some of those players available to face the Portuguese.

Icelandic FA official mar Smrason told the Evening News today: "It is possible that some of the players with full caps will be moved into our senior squad for the Portugal match, and Eggert Jonsson could be one.

"Nothing has been confirmed yet. Our national coach and our under-21 coach will be working closely and will reach a decision together for the benefit of the national team. The Portugal match is an important match for Iceland but it would be a big achievement to beat Scotland and qualify for the finals of a major tournament. The final decision will be down to the two coaches."

Jonsson has five full caps for Iceland and started both their Euro 2012 qualifying games against Norway and Denmark last month. He is part of a new generation of promising young Icelandic internationalists, who will form the backbone of the national team in future qualifying campaigns.