Hearts forward Barrie McKay is expected to be involved in pre-season training this summer after successfully undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.
The Edinburgh Evening News reports that the 28-year-old has had a niggling injury issue and that a tidy-up on his ankle was done last week. He has since been given a protective boot to heal the area, and is anticipated to recover within a matter of weeks in time for preparations for the new Premiership campaign and the Jambos' European qualifiers.
Last term, McKay only managed four goals in 49 appearances as Hearts ended up fourth in the league, with his minor ankle complaint cropping up towards the end of the season.
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His surgery took place after Steven Naismith's men drew 1-1 with Hibs at Tynecastle in the last game of the Premiership campaign.
Doctors told McKay to rest to ensure the quickest possible recovery, with the Hearts squad due to report back to Riccarton on June 27 for their pre-season training.
The club are due to play friendly fixtures in July owing to the fact they will not be in Viaplay League Cup group stage action because of their success in qualifying for the Europa Conference League qualifiers.
The first leg of their third qualifying round encounter will be held on August 10, with the return leg due seven days later having started the Premiership charge on the first weekend of the month.
Decisions are still to be made regarding the management having ended the season with Naismith at the helm as interim boss, and he currently remains the favourite for the role while Hammarby boss Marti Cifuentes is a contender.
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