Craig Gordon is set for a return to Hearts' matchday squad for their game against Rangers tonight.
The Scotland international could return to the team after nearly a year out recovering from a double leg break.
The brutal injury looked as if it had the potential to be a career-ending one for Gordon, but the 40-year-old has fought back to fitness.
After training with the first team for over a month, he has now proven his fitness levels to boss Steven Naismith after undergoing a hefty rehabilitation program.
It is believed Gordon could replace experienced keeper Michael McGovern on the bench at Tynecastle this evening upon Rangers' visit, with Zander Clark holding on to the No.1 slot for now.
“The boys that have been longer term are now at the point where we are comfortable enough to have them in squads," said Naismith. "There are decisions like this every week.
"It’ll be highlighted it’s Craigy at the moment because he’s just coming back from injury. He’s a legend at the club, he’s got the Euros to go for but that’s not going to cloud any decision I make. I make the decision I think is best for us as a group."
Asked if the keeper has been back to his best in training, Naismith said: “Yeah. I would say so and I’m comfortable saying that because of that last three-week period. In all honesty, this injury has probably been an ‘easy’ one for him to come back compared to his previous longer-term ones.
“One, because of what of the injury is but secondly, he’s got the carrot dangling that he was in the national team before he got injured. For the last three weeks we’ve watched it in training. The level of goalkeeping here is top, it’s really good. It’s because we have three experienced goalies who are internationalists and who have got a calmness and good ability.
“Craigy is getting back to exactly where he was before. That for me doesn’t mean he gets back in the team. Zander has had a good period when Craig has come out and done really well. He’s earned some Scotland caps and is in a great spell as well.”
Craig Halkett, Barrie McKay and Nat Atkinson are also available again for Hearts.
