Hearts concerned over Craig Halkett absence as nature of defender's injury is confirmed

Medical and coaching staff are concerned that the problem might end the player’s season prematurely after he was stretchered off in the 2-1 Scottish Cup semi-final win against Hibs at Hampden Park.

He left the stadium on crutches with his leg in a protective boot, but all concerned are hoping any damage sustained is only minor. Halkett slid in for a challenge with the Hibs forward James Scott early in the second half and seemed to catch his ankle on the turf.

Hearts will return to Hampden for the Scottish Cup final on May 21 and are confident right-back Michael Smith and centre-back John Souttar will be fit to take part. Halkett’s involvement rests heavily on the outcome of his examination.

“Craig is going to get a scan. He rolled his ankle so we need to wait and see how bad it is,” said Robbie Neilson, the Hearts manager. “Winning the semi-final allows us to aim for the final now. I expect John Souttar to be back, I expect Michael Smith to be back for it as well.

“I expect all the guys who picked up knocks to make it – potentially not Halkett, but he now has a carrot to try and get there.”

Hearts recorded the second of back-to-back Edinburgh derby victories thanks to two spectacular first-half goals from Ellis Simms and Stephen Kingsley. Chris Cadden halved the deficit and Hibs pressed repeatedly for an equaliser after the interval.

But for the latest outstanding save from Craig Gordon – who touched Ryan Porteous’ header onto the post and then grabbed the rebound – they might have got one.

“Craig has been outstanding. I'd be amazed if he's not the Football Writers' player of the year and PFA player of the year because he's done it every single week,” added Neilson.

“There's been guys for the Old Firm and other teams who