Left-back Tony Capaldi is resigned to missing out on Hearts deal after hearing nothing

With initial suggestions Lee Wallace would be sidelined for up to six months after damaging his posterior cruciate knee ligament in Scotland's win over Liechtenstein last week, unattached left-back Capaldi trained with the Tynecastle side prior to the weekend's 3-0 loss at Celtic Park.

The 29-year-old, who was released by Cardiff City and saw earlier potential moves to Crystal Palace and Plymouth Argyle fall through, thought he had done enough to land a deal until January, despite Wallace then being told he could be back in 12 weeks.

However, the Northern Ireland cap reckons manager Jim Jefferies didn't get the green light from club owner Vladimir Romanov to sign him.

He said: "I've not been there since last Friday so I'm just assuming that nothing is happening with that.

"The last I heard something was Monday when they said they were going to speak to the chairman and I've heard nothing since.

"I don't know what was happening. We were only talking about a deal until January anyway and I don't know if Lee coming back sooner than was first expected affected it or not.

The manager seemed pretty keen, but nothing happened. I have been trying to sort out one or two other things in the meantime.

"I'm speaking to a few clubs so, hopefully, I will get something sorted."

Meanwhile, Hearts manager Jefferies reckons Inverness are more potent on their travels than at home - but that does not mean he is taking Saturday's trip to the Highlands lightly.

The Tynecastle boss watched Terry Butcher's side dismantle Dundee United 4-0 at Tannadice last month and the SPL new comers extended their ten-month unbeaten away run at Hibs on Saturday in a 1-1 draw.

However, they have fallen to home defeats to both Celtic and Hamilton.

Jefferies said: "I think they are better equipped to play away from home because they are one of the teams that sit in and hit you on the break.

"The emphasis is on them, being the home team, to come out and have a go and hopefully that suits us better."