Robbie Neilson admits he’ll be forced to squeeze every extra penny out of the Hearts budget after a season-ending injury to Liam Boyce.
The Jambos boss will attempt to use the final days of the window to bolster his attacking options after losing the Northern Irishman to a damaged cruciate in Sunday’s Premiership win over St Johnstone. Kye Rowles also misses tonight’s Premier Sports Cup last-16 clash with Killie after undergoing surgery on a damaged metatarsal and also faces a prolonged spell out.
It all adds up to a headache for Neilson for whom a last-minute recruitment drive has been rubber-stamped. He said: “I’ve been chatting to the board for the last few weeks to be honest. We had a meeting on Monday that was already scheduled. We went over it again and, given the extent of the two injuries, what we’re looking to do [to strengthen the squad]. It’s just a case of getting it done now.
“Boycie has done his cruciate which is hugely disappointing. He’s been a key player since I came back to the club but it’s something we just need to deal with.
“Personally I’m devastated for him because he’s been great for me. We just need to get him the best surgeon and the best rehab to get him back as quickly as we can.
“Rowles has a fracture of the metatarsal so he will be out for six to eight weeks, which again is disappointing but not to the extent of Boyce. The other guys picked up mild injuries and should be back within the next couple of days to a week.”
Neilson was distressed on a personal level at the injury to Boyce and admits the absence of last season’s club top scorer is going to leave a massive void as he assesses the market for a replacement marksman. He said: “I’ve spoken to him the past couple of days. Liam’s a big boy. He’s had that injury before, so he knows what he needs to do.”
Neilson had better news on the injury front with a possible return of defensive stalwart Craig Halkett against Killie as well as Alex Cochrane. He said: “Nathan Atkinson won’t make Wednesday but Cochrane is back, Tony Sibbick, Stephen Kingsley and potentially Halkett depending on how he is from today’s training.
“We have a number of boys coming back in so it’s not a huge issue.”
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