Kevin Kyle faces fight to play again this season

HEARTS assistant manager Billy Brown says it is touch-and-go whether Kevin Kyle will get to the root of his injury troubles in time to play again this season.

Kyle has not featured since the 11 January defeat by St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup after being plagued by pain in his stomach and groin areas.

The 29-year-old, who has scored 10 goals this season, visited another specialist yesterday as he looks to return to help the club's campaign to secure a top-three place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, which continues at Dundee United tomorrow.

Brown said: "The problem is in an area, the stomach, that makes it very difficult to define.

"He has been to see a few people, I think we're definitely getting there.

"Kevin, when he was at Sunderland six years ago, had a major hip operation.

"We have to rule all these things out, it's a process of elimination, but we're getting there.

"He is in good hands, we have tried everything, we have sent him here, there and everywhere.

"We're very hopeful (he will play again this season)."