Craig Halkett needs Hearts op as Tynecastle teammate also set to go under the knife

Craig Halkett is to go for an exploratory operation to try and get to the bottom of his knee problems.

The luckless Hearts defender has been sidelined since he limped out of the Scottish Cup win at Airdrie. The Tynecastle medical team and specialists feel they need to take a closer look into his knee to find out what the issue is, with scans appearing to show up no issues. He'll go under the knife to try and get to the bottom of the issue, and while Steven Naismith is hopeful of having the 29-year-old back in action soon, a decision on Halkett returning to full-time training will have to wait until after his op.

The Jambos have been without defender Frankie Kent due to a different knee injury. The former Peterborough man was injured during last month's 1-1 home draw against Hibs in the Edinburgh derby although it is hoped he can return after the current international break.

Midfielder Peter Haring is also set to go under the knife. The Austrian hasn;t featured since January 2 and now faces a race against time to play again before his contract expires in the summer.

Haring is also suffering with a knee issue but it's touch and go whether he'll appear in maroon again before his six-year stint in the capital potentially ends in just over two months time.