Hearts midfield star Scott Robinson returns to make debut in clash

By BARRY ANDERSON
Published on Friday 30 December 2011 12:09

SCOTT ROBINSON will return to the Hearts team to make his Edinburgh derby debut on Monday having been rested for Wednesday night's 0-0 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who has never faced Hibs at first-team level, is expected to start at Easter Road after Paulo Sergio, the Hearts manager, left him out of his 18-man squad in midweek. Sergio opted not to risk Robinson against Aberdeen to ensure he is ready to face Hibs. The player has become a key component of the Tynecastle side in recent weeks and has impressed Sergio with his performances, his dynamism in midfield contributing to wins over Dunfermline and Motherwell.

Mehdi Taouil, relegated to the substitutes' bench at Aberdeen, is also likely to start. The Moroccan missed August's 2-0 victory over Hibs at Tynecastle and is therefore another player anticipating his first taste of the Capital derby. Hearts medical staff will assess injuries to Stephen Elliott and Ian Black over the weekend before making a final decision on their fitness for Easter Road. Jamie Hamill also remains doubtful.

Taken from the Scotsman