Robbie Neilson has detailed Hearts' winter shutdown plans with a group of around ten first-team stars to get two weeks off.
The Jambos have been juggling Europa Conference League and domestic matters in the first part of the season with injuries taking their toll. The Thursday/Sunday schedule has stretched the capital club to the limit with the draw against Livingston bringing an end to a very busy schedule of fixtures.
It's been a busy period for a core of the Hearts squad with Neilson confirming they will get much-needed time off - but will still have programmes to work on. A lot of the youngsters will continue working at the training ground as will injured duo Stephen Kingsley and Craig Halkett as they continue to battle their way back from injury for the second part of the campaign.
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Neilson won't be taking any time off either over this period and plans to be in and out of the training base. He told the Edinburgh Evening News: “It’s not everyone. The likes of Halkett, Kingsley and some of the younger ones will be in.
"There is a group of probably ten or 12 that will get two weeks off. But within that they will still have programmes that they will do before we get back at it.”
He continued: “I’ll be in and out. I won’t have training or games to prep, but I’m not going anywhere.”
Hearts return to action next month with back-to-back home games against Kilmarnock and St Mirren as they bid to land third spot behind Celtic and Rangers once again.
That would secure another crack on the European stage and the financial benefits that come with playing in the competition.
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