Hearts' Zaliukas and Stewart are unlikely to be back for Rangers game

HEARTS boss Jim Jefferies today admitted that this weekend's game against Rangers may come too soon for Marius Zaliukas and Michael Stewart.

The Tynecastle duo are both battling to shake off injuries, with Stewart struggling with a calf problem while Zaliukas missed the games against Dundee United, Motherwell and Hibs with a hamstring strain.

Zaliukas was expected to return to full training today and Jefferies said: "Marius is back in full training today but the game on Saturday against Rangers might just come that bit too quickly for him, we'll have to wait and see.

"Michael is again just doing light work with the physio, he is not training with the rest of the squad as yet. I'm not sure if Saturday will be enough time for him to make his comeback, he might need another week."

If Stewart does not make Saturday's game, Jefferies has options in that area of the park.

"If we can get him back training before the end of the week then you never know but the fortunate thing is that we have got options in the middle of the park so we don't really need to take chances with anyone in there," said the manager.

"We've got Ruben back, Kingston, Stevenson and Black – although we'll have to wait and see how he is after that head knock at the weekend – so if anyone is not 100 per cent fit, we can do something about it."

Meanwhile Jefferies admitted he was delighted to see youngster David Templeton agree a new contract that will keep him at Tynecastle until 2013. He added: "The club have been talking to him for a wee while and it's good that everything has been finalised.

"David's a great young prospect and I'm pleased that he's signed a new deal with the club."