JJ looking forward to trio's return at Hearts

All three are progressing well in their rehabilitation, with Obua and Driver ready to resume full training once the Riccarton pitches defrost following the recent cold snap.

The Ugandan has been absent since October with a groin complaint, and Driver since September due to a thigh problem. Wallace's knee will take slightly longer but he intends to be playing competitively again within a month.

"The injured players are coming on fine," said Jefferies. "David Obua is slightly ahead of the others and that is a boost for us as he hasn't figured much this year.

"Lee is targeting the derby at New Year which is still four weeks away. He'd need a couple of games under his belt prior to that as it's not just a case of getting fit and then going straight into a game like that. The same goes for Andrew, who's maybe slightly ahead of him at this stage. Andrew's been out for a while but we learned a lesson the last time when he was desperate to get back and unfortunately in his efforts to get back he picked up a different injury. That can happen when you have been out for so long: other areas can become susceptible to injury and that what's happened when he tore his thigh muscle.

"Obua and Driver were ready to step things up and were close to training with the squad before the weather hit. It's frustrating for them, too, as training indoors is not ideal for speeding the process up.

"You are better on grass where there is a bit of give. When you're indoors there can be lot more stress on joints so that's something we have to watch. The weather has maybe set them back a week or so but there's nothing we can do about that. It will be like signing three new players when they do come back."

Jefferies is encouraged by the strength in depth to his squad with the above triumvirate due to return. "When the others are raring to go it is all about competition for places."