Mark Ridgers' penalty heroics give Gary Locke a Hearts selection headache

Hearts manager Gary Locke admits goalkeeper Mark Ridgers has given him a selection headache for this weekend's trip to Inverness.

The former Scotland Under-21 shot stopper replaced injured Jamie MacDonald in Tuesday’s League Cup tie and his penalty heroics earned the side a win over 10-man Raith Rovers.

Ridgers produced a solid performance in the 1-1 draw before saving penalties from Liam Fox and Ross Callachan in the shoot out.

Hearts won 5-4 from 12 yards, with Brad McKay scoring the decisive spot-kick.

Locke admits Ridgers' display has given him food for thought.

He said: "It will give me a headache but I've known all along. Mark's a very able deputy, he has a great presence about him.

"He came on against Raith but he did well in the pre-season games too. It's great from my point of view.

“I have three really good goalkeepers, there is Jack Hamilton there too.

"I was delighted with Mark's performance when he came on.

"Jamie is okay, it looks like has has just twisted his ankle a little. The physio has assessed it and he'll asses it again on Wednesday, and then we'll take it from there.

"We hope it's nothing too serious."