Lee Johnson insists Harry McKirdy WILL play again as Hibs boss offers full support ahead of heart surgery

Lee Johnson says Hibs will support Harry McKirdy every step of the way as he prepares for open heart surgery - and insisted he WILL play again.

The Easter Road club were shocked earlier this week when pre-season tests flagged up an issue that requires the striker to go under the knife. That is hoped to take place next week. The 26-year-old, who has been linked with loan moves to Leyton Orient and Colchester United, is set for an extended spell on the sidelines that could stretch into the new year.

But Johnson insists there’s no fear he won’t play again. He said: “It was a big shock. First and foremost you feel for Harry because he doesn’t have much luck since he’s been here in a number of ways. We will give him all the support we can and try to do everything to get him back in. He will play again. One hundred per cent. It’s not a crazy harsh operation.

“The time in which he’s going to be out is more based on the fact it’s effectively open heart surgery and they have to go in through the sternum. The have to drill open that area so the operation is a relatively simple one. I’m no surgeon but that’s what I hear and he should make a full recovery without any extra circumstances attached.

“It’s the bone healing that takes the time. We are going to try and get it done as soon as possible. He’ll go and see the top man in London and hopefully it will be some time next week.”

Meanwhile Johnson hopes his transfer kitty will get a welcome boost when Josh Doig’s expected move to Torino goes through - with Hibs in line for a £1.5m sell on payment. The HIbs boss has already made six signings this summer and said: “That will come at a nice time! It’s a real positive for the club in terms of him being an academy product who has gone