Jim Jefferies rules out rushing back Bouzid

HEARTS manager Jim Jefferies has vowed not to gamble with Ismael Bouzid's fitness, despite the defender coming through 90 minutes of a friendly against Motherwell yesterday.

Algerian Bouzid has been out for more than two months with a double hamstring injury but there has been talk of him making his comeback in Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Kilmarnock.

Jefferies is keen to get the 26-year-old back as soon as possible but told Hearts News: "It is not just a game to throw him in this weekend though because it's very important and he's got to be right. There are other games after the split when we can get him back in, if need be."

He added: "Ismael has missed a lot of games and we need to see how he reacts tomorrow when we'll have a better idea.

"It was good for him to get 90 minutes under his belt, though."

Calum Elliot played 20 minutes yesterday as he continues to battle back from a long standing knee problem.