Jambos: derby boost as duo report back fit

HEARTS boss Craig Levein has been handed a major injury boost with the news that both Patrick Kisnorbo and Stephen Simmons are set to be fit for the derby clash against Hibs.

The Australian defender was hurt during the Jambos’ epic UEFA Cup victory over Bordeaux in France and missed the weekend win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie after being sent for X-rays on his foot amid fears he had broken a bone.

The good news for the 22-year-old Kisnorbo, who has continued to grow in stature since his summer arrival in Gorgie, is that there is no fracture and he is expected to return to full training next week and be ready to line up against the Hibees on Sunday, November 23, at Tynecastle.

And midfielder Simmons also looks set to be in contention for the Capital showdown after recovering from his own foot injury which saw him miss the UEFA Cup second round, first leg triumph in Bordeaux.

The 21-year-old hobbled out of his side’s recent Under-21 win over Livingston at Almondvale after taking studs in the top of his foot.

He was forced to sit out Hearts’ 1-0 victory over the Dons but should be back to bolster Levein’s options as he looks to record an impressive sixth consecutive win when Bobby Williamson brings his men across Edinburgh.

"Patrick Kisnorbo’s X-ray has shown there is no break, which is good news, although he still has stud marks in the top his foot," said Levein.

"There was a lot of swelling and the X-rays were really more of a precautionary thing but they seem to be clear, he is feeling better himself and I expect him back for the derby. Stephen Simmons is also improving and he should be back in full training next week as well."

In a further lift for the Gorgie chief, it has been confirmed that striker Gary Wales has not suffered a second broken foot of the season. The front man hasn’t featured in the first team this campaign after being sidelined by a stress fracture in the summer and it had been feared he’d sustained a similar injury to his other foot as he continued his fitness fight.

However, scans have shown that not to be the case, although he has been ordered to rest for a week or so to give the problem a chance to settle down. Gorgie keeper Tepi Moilanen, meanwhile, has been called into the Finnish squad for the friendly away to Honduras on Saturday.

Kevin McKenna has been named in Canada’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against the Czech Republic in Teplice this weekend and the clash with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin four days later. Hibs star Paul Fenwick is also included in Colin Miller’s pool.

Hearts booked their place in the fourth round of the SFA Youth Cup with a 2-1 win over Dundee. Calum Elliott and Colin Strickland were on the mark.

The next stage of Levein’s on-going battle with the SFA was set to get underway at the Court of Session in Edinburgh today.

The Gorgie chief is at loggerheads with the Hampden beaks after being hit with a four-month touchline ban after seeing a £1000 fine twice doubled following comments about referee Dougie McDonald’s performance against Kilmarnock last season. The situation came to a head when Levein refused to pay his fine and lawyers representing both parties were set to launch a courtroom battle today.

Taken from the Scotsman