Hearts manager Robbie Neilson has fingers crossed that influential defender Stephen Kingsley will be fit enough to take part in next weekend's Edinburgh derby.
The former Swansea City defender watched from the stands as Alan Forrest and Barrie McKay goals ensured a 2-1 opening day Premiership win against Ross County. Next up for Hearts is a trip to Easter Road and rivals Hibs, with Neilson hopeful Kingsley can have a part to play after starting Toby Sibbick, Craig Halkett and Kye Rowles as his three-man defence versus County.
He said of the left-back and fellow full-back Nathaniel Atkinson who came off in match with illness: "Stephen got a nick on his hamstring earlier in the week. It's too early just now but we are hopeful for next week as he has been outstanding in pre-season. Atkinson will be fine. There was a couple of days during the week where he wasn't feeling well.
READ MORE: Three things we learned as Hearts ride Ross County storm to ensure opening day Tynecastle victory
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"We put him in but after 15 or 20 minutes he just had no energy left. He'll be fine for next week."
Forrest's competitive debut following a move from Livingston impressed Neilson, with big things expected of the winger: “The reason we brought him here is he’s direct, he goes at people and he makes things happen.
"I think he’ll be an extremely good player for us. I like his career path, I think he’s the kind of player Hearts should be signing.
"He went to Ayr United and did really well, he made the step up to Livingston and did well there. Now he’s at Hearts and you can see he has the quality to go up to the next level again.”
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