Jim Jefferies could be able to have striker Kevin Kyle in his squad for the opening game of the season. It was expected that Kyle would have to sit out the first few games of the new season after undergoing a double hernia operation in January. The experienced forward, who has missed Hearts' first two pre-season games, was also troubled by a hip problem. However, manager Jefferies has announced that Kyle is ahead of schedule and could be in line to face Rangers on 23rd July.
Jefferies said: "Kevin is coming on. We expected him to be months away but he's going to start stepping up his running next week. He's already doing it in short bursts. So he's way ahead of where we thought he would be. Unless he gets a setback I think he could only miss the early part of the season, maybe just a couple of games. He could maybe even surprise us all and be ready for the start of the season. That would be a lot to ask but he's been jogging for maybe 20 minutes or so and doing some other things. He's been out a long time, so his fitness levels aren't great. But that will come."