Hearts hope injections will aid Kyle

HEARTS have decided against surgery to cure striker Kevin Kyle's groin injury, with medical staff hopeful that ongoing injections will see him return to first-team action within the next month.

After consultations with doctors it has been agreed that the club's top goalscorer does not require an operation for now.

It is hoped he will be back playing and fully fit some time in March, with the Edinburgh derby at Easter Road looming on Sunday April 3.

Kyle is to continue with a course of injections in an attempt to alleviate the problem, which has sidelined him since Hearts' Scottish Cup tie against St Johnstone on January 11.

"We have spoken to the consultant and it's been decided not to go for surgery," said the Hearts manager, Jim Jefferies.

"We have ruled out the operation at this stage and the feeling is that a series of injections will help towards recovery.

"He will be struggling for the next couple of games but we're hoping to get him back as quickly as we can. If we can get away with these injections then we will hopefully avoid surgery. He's already had the first one and he has two or three more to get."

Meanwhile, Hearts have dispatched another squad player on loan, with Ryan McGowan joining Partick Thistle on an emergency three-month agreement.

"I think this will be a good move for me and hopefully I can start playing regularly every weekend," said the 21-year-old Australian, who made his debut in last night's 1-1 draw at Cowdenbeath.