Hearts could welcome back Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Oisin McEntee for their Premiership return against St Mirren. The Jam Tarts hope to have both defenders available for Saturday’s Tynecastle clash.
Fagan-Walcott has been out for two months with an ankle problem, while McEntee is expected to return to training this week after an ongoing calf issue. It is a welcome boost for Wouter Vrancken and Hearts as they prepare for a packed domestic and European schedule.
Vrancken on McEntee and Fagan-Walcott
Vrancken said: “I think Oisin can be ready to be in the squad for Saturday. I don’t know yet if he can start the game, we have to see this week, but he made some good steps without any reactions the day after. That is a good thing.
“He did some individual running so we will see tomorrow if it’s possible for him to train, or if he can be in full training on Thursday. It’s only the rhythm on the ball that he needs now. Without the ball, he has done the running stuff like he does on a game day, so that will be no problem. We will see when he steps in [to training]. That’s the thing that will determine whether he can be in the squad or if he can start the game this week.”
“Malachi has been training and he played part of the game against Dundee. He had no reaction and he didn’t miss training so he is selectable.”
Findlay fit, Spittal and Renaud out
Influential defender Stuart Findlay has had a back issue recently but is expected to be fit for the visit from the Buddies. The weekend game comes too early for Blair Spittal and Tom Renaud. Defender Craig Halkett will remain out until the new year.
Vrancken added: “We are now getting some profiles back, which is good. There are going to be big decisions to make in the team now. We know Blair Spittal, Tom Renaud and Craig Halkett are not there yet, but the rest have made progress.”
Packed schedule ahead
Hearts now have five league fixtures, three Conference League games and a Premier Sports Cup semi-final to navigate in the coming weeks. Vrancken accepted it was important to recharge during the international break.
He explained: “It was good to have some days off, especially over the first weekend, to switch off from football and focus on family. Now it’s going to be a relentless schedule again with nine games in four weeks. There is not much space for extra stuff except football. We have renewed energy with some big games to come.”
