Kisnorbo gets back on track

By PAUL KIDDIE
HEARTS star Patrick Kisnorbo took a major step back on the road to fitness by playing 90 minutes of the Jambos’ friendly against Brechin City at Glebe Park.
The Australian’s appearance in last night’s friendly was a major boost for boss Craig Levein, the 22-year-old having been sidelined by a groin injury throughout his side’s pre-season tour to Vancouver.

Kisnorbo reported back for training ahead of the Canadian trip still suffering from the troublesome injury which saw him forced to miss his country’s Olympic training camp in Switzerland, his non-appearance eventually costing him his place in the Aussies’ Athens squad.

He jetted out to British Columbia in the hope of playing some part in Hearts’ three games but with the injury failing to clear sufficiently he was reduced to the role of spectator as the Gorgie outfit completed their Vancouver tour with two draws and a victory.

The 22-year-old, though, was able to run out at Glebe Park and providing he suffers no reaction, his outing will be good news for the Tynecastle outfit.

"It was Kisnorbo’s first game and it was good to get him playing again," said Hearts No.2 Peter Houston, who took charge of team affairs with Levein in Northern Ireland watching the club’s youngsters in Milk Cup action against Manchester United.

Goals from Stephen Simmons and Christophe Berra completed a 2-1 triumph over Brechin - Berra the villain turned hero after his own goal had brought the home side level after 68 minutes. Midfielder Simmons impressed against Dick Campbell’s side, although he was removed after a heated exchange with referee Stephen Duff.

Houston admitted the youngster has to learn to control his frustrations with officials.

"He has to learn the lesson that you cannot do that," he told the club’s website.

Taken from the Scotsman