Robbie Neilson expects to have Hearts’ John Souttar available for Hibs clash

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson expects to have John Souttar available for Tuesday’s Edinburgh derby after the Rangers target went off injured in a 2-0 win over Motherwell.

Souttar was hurt in a collision with Callum Slattery and went off at half-time for new signing Toby Sibbick but the knock was not serious.

Hearts have rejected one bid for the Scotland international from Rangers, who are keen to sign the defender before a pre-contract deal kicks in at the end of the season.

But Neilson confirmed after the game that another centre-back, Craig Halkett, faces four to six weeks out with his hamstring injury.

Neilson hopes his transfer business is done for the window and added: “There’s been nothing new with John. Although I saw they (Rangers) lost three goals so I might get a phone call.

“But at this moment in time there’s been nothing.

“He’ll be back in on Sunday and I expect he’ll be available for Tuesday, if he’s still here.

“I was planning on giving Sibbick some game time for 20-30 minutes, so he got a wee bit more.

“Sibbick did well. He looked good. His fitness levels are still to improve, he hasn’t played since the middle of November but he has the physicality we need.”

Another recent signing, Ellis Simms, grabbed a goal from close range just before the hour mark after Andy Halliday opened the scoring eight minutes before half-time.

Hearts capitalised for the opener after Sean Goss lost the ball in his own box three minutes after replacing the injured Barry Maguire, and on-loan Celtic midfielder Liam Shaw also lost possession in the build-up to both goals.

Motherwell had chances, notably in the first half, with Kevin Van Veen unable to convert their best opportunities, and Neilson was not over-enamoured with his