Nathaniel Atkinson forces Hearts' transfer hand as Australia Asian Cup call up leaves Steven Naismith short

Nathaniel Atkinson's call up to the Australia squad for the Asian Cup leaves Steven Naismith in a positional pickle.

Atkinson will head off to Qatar with Hearts teammate Kye Rowles in January for group stage games against India, Syria and Uzbekistan, with the Socceroos expected to go deep in the competition. That means the duo will miss the Jambos' Scottish Cup fourth round tie with Spartans, the home Premiership clash with Dundee three days later and a meeting with Aberdeen in Gorgie at the very least. There's also some negotiation to be done regarding the tip to Livingston on January 2.

While Rowles' absence is a blow, Naismith can at least cope. Craig Halkett is fit again after almost a year out with a knee injury and should be ready to partner Frankie Kent in the heart of defence by then. Toby Sibbick can also slot in at centre back. But Atkinson being away causes more of a problem given the personnel unavailable. to Steven Naismith.

Odel Offiah was signed on loan from Brighton in the summer to provide back up. But two health scares have meant both player and club had to play it safe and he has now returned to parent club Brighton, unlikely to return.

Atkinson is not long back from a three-month injury lay off. Stephen Kingsley has deputised at right wing back, but injured himself after last weekend's stunning free-kick at Celtic Park. So Naismith will likely be forced into the transfer market for a right back.