Gary Mackay Steven ready for Hearts return as hand full of metal can't keep winger out of Hibs clash

Gary Mackay-Steven has a hand full of metal as he strives to help Hearts get their paws on silverware.

The winger will make his comeback from injury in Saturday's Edinburgh derby wearing a special cast to protect a hand which has had to be reinforced with metal plates after a painful break against Dundee United.

It all sounds a bit bionic superhero as Mackay-Steven steels himself for a potential double knockout blow to Hibs in the league and Scottish Cup semi final over the next week.

It starts with this afternoon’s clash at Tynecastle in which a Jambos’ victory could condemn Hibs to the bottom six before next weekend’s trip Hampden derby date.

And GMS said: “I was desperate to be back. I was looking at the calendar, at all the games, and these ones are the ones I didn’t want to miss.

“I’m happy I’ve made it - just and no more! Because of the way I fell I broke the bone in the back of my hand. I needed an operation to get it fixed. I knew straightaway, and I needed a lot of metal work in my hand.

“I’ve plates and all sorts of metal in there now. It is a bit weird but you get used to it. I couldn’t do contact until this week but I was running before that. It’s not too bad at all. I don’t use my hands too much so as long as it’s protected a little bit then it’s fine.

“To be honest, Craig Halkett tested it in training - we were shoulder to shoulder and he tested it quite well!

“At the start of the season these are the games you look forward to, and to have them back to back, with so much to play for, is amazing - especially with the first one being at home.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere and the boys have been buzzing in training. We all want to be in the starting line-up for this and then in the one to follow.