Driver ambition

There is no guarantee that Andy Driver will be added to the first team on his return from injury. In his absence, both David Templeton and Arvydas Novikovas have impressed manager Jim Jefferies who has been encouraged by their performances and said today that Driver must earn his place in the side on merit. Driver, who underwent a summer operation to cure a persistent thigh complaint, is well liked by the fans and they are keen to see him return to action. However, with other options available, Jefferies does not want to rush things and will be guided by club medical staff regarding Driver's fitness

Jefferies said: "I've only had Driver available for a few games since I came back to Hearts. He played against Hibs and I know about his quality. But when people get injured others come in. You can see how well David Templeton has done and Novikovas is knocking on the door too. Driver is a quality player but he has no divine right to walk into the team. Competition for the left side of the pitch is extremely good right now."

Another of Jefferies injured first-team players, Gary Glen, is to play in a closed-door game this week to build up his fitness. Jefferies said: "He might be a couple of weeks away yet from the first team. Gary might be able to step up his training next week but he's missed a lot of games this year and he's hardly taken part in any pre-season games. He needs a few matches and we hope to give him a run out in another closed-door match this week