Robbie Neilson remains optimistic that Stephen Kingsley will be fit for next week’s Edinburgh derby.
The defender missed Hearts ’ opening day Premiership win over Ross County after suffering a slight hamstring injury in the build up. He was at Tynecastle, but it was a watching brief only for the former Falkirk man. Australian international Kye Rowles made his competitive debut for the Jambos on the left hand side of a back three alongside Craig Halkett and Toby Sibbick.
Further alterations had to be made to the backline after Nathaniel Atkinson was forced off in the first half. Rowe’s Socceroos teammate was replaced by Jorge Grant with Michael Smith moving to right wing back. Atkinson had been ill earlier in the week and was struggling with his energy levels against the Staggies. However, Neilson confirmed he will be available to face Hibs in the first capital clash on the season at Easter Road next Sunday.
"Stephen got a nick on his hamstring earlier in the week,” he said. “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.
"We put him in but after 15 or 20 minutes he just had no energy left. He'll be fine for next week."
At the other end of the park, Alan Forrest continued his impressive start to life in maroon with the opening goal on his league debut. The former Livingston winger started and finished a fine team move to break the deadlock before Barrie McKay’s equally impressive strike proved to be the winner.
Neilson was delighted with Forrest's impact as he showed exactly why he’s the type of player Neilson and sporting director Joe Savage want in their squad. And Neilson has tipped the Scotland Under 21 international to go on to bigger things after making the step up.
"I think he’ll be an extremely good player for us,” said Neilson. “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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