Zander Clark hands Steven Naismith Hearts fitness boost ahead of Hibs clash but Ginnelly remains a doubt

Zander Clark is expected to return to the Hearts team for Saturday's Edinburgh derby.

The keeper missed last weeknd’s home defeat to St Mirren - the last of Robbie Neilson’s second spell in charge at Tynecastle - with a hamstring injury picked up in the previous week’s loss away to Kilmarnock. But the Scottish Sun claim that the Scotland call up is set to hand interim boss Steven Naismith a derby day boost by returning between the sticks against Hibs.

Ross Stewart deputised against the Buddies, but the third choice stopper is set to return to the subs bench for the trip across the capital to Easter Road. No 1 and club captain Craig Gordon won’t be back until after the summer, with the veteran set to go under the knife again to remove a metal plate from his leg as his rehab for a double leg break suffered against Dundee United back in December continues.

Meanwhile, Josh Ginnelly must prove his fitness before his involvement is decided. The wide man was also injured at Rugby Park, but is aiming to make the squad for derby day. He netted the opener the last time the two sides met as Hearts ran out 3-0 winners in their Scottish Cup fourth round tie.

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