Hearts hit by Stamp worry

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS boss Craig Levein has been dealt a fresh UEFA Cup injury scare after midfielder Phil Stamp joined the Jambos’ casualty list.

The former Middlesbrough star was hurt in last night’s under-21 derby at Easter Road when he took a blow to his cheekbone in an aerial challenge in the first half of the 1-1 draw.

The Englishman went on to put the visitors ahead in Leith and although he was substituted as planned at half-time, there was sufficient concern over the injury afterwards to make him a doubt for the UEFA Cup showdown against Bordeaux at Tynecastle on Thursday.

Tough-tackling Stamp is currently in the middle of a three-game league suspension but is seen as a key man by Levein for the visit of the French as the Jambos look to finish the job started so impressively in the Stade Chaban-Delmas three weeks ago with the superb 1-0 victory.

Skipper Steven Pressley has already been ruled out by his manager after limping out of Sunday’s derby triumph.

The good news for the captain is that the problem has been diagnosed as a thigh strain as opposed to a tear, which should see him back in action in a matter of weeks rather than months.

With Scott Severin also struggling with a groin injury, Levein could do without this latest worry over Stamp as he prepares for the club’s biggest game in years.

"Phil took a bang in the face in the under-21 game last night," said Levein. "It was bad enough for it to be a concern for us and we’ll have to see how he is today as far as Thursday’s match is concerned. It could be that we may have to wait until the last minute before deciding." Better news for the Gorgie chief, though, was that striker Gary Wales took his first major steps on his latest comeback trail by featuring in the Easter Road clash.

As the Evening News revealed three weeks ago, the front man feared he had suffered a second stress fracture of the foot as he fought his way back from a similar injury to his other leg, the problem having ruled him out of the first team since the start of the season.

However, scans proved his concerns unfounded although he was ordered to rest by doctors. He has since picked up his rehabilitation and played the first half last night before being replaced by Dennis Wyness.

The 24-year-old is approaching consideration for the top team and his improvement will soon add a further attacking option for Levein, who has already used Wyness, Andy Kirk and Graham Weir to partner Mark de Vries this season.

"Gary’s not far away," said Levein, "but it is up to him to get as fit as possible as quickly as possible. When you get injured it can be difficult to get back into the team and with the likes of Wyness, Kirk and Weir there has been plenty of competition for places in attack."

Taken from the Scotsman