Broken foot sees Simmons suffer serious setback in search for new contract

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS star Stephen Simmons could be out of action until October after breaking his foot against Hibs in the final of the East of Scotland Shield at Tynecastle last night.

The midfielder was the victim of a shocking-looking challenge from the visitors’ Jay Shields with just five minutes on the clock and had to be stretchered up the tunnel in obvious agony.

He was immediately sent to hospital for X-rays amid concerns he had suffered a serious fracture.

However, although the scans showed the 22-year-old has broken a small bone in his left foot, the injury is not as bad as first feared with the club hopeful he will be fit for first-team consideration within a couple of months.

"Stephen was discharged from hospital after X-rays showed he had broken a small bone in his foot," said reserve coach John McGlynn, whose side slumped to a 3-1 defeat with goals from Stephen Dobbie, Sam Morrow and Dean Shiels giving the Easter Road outfit a comfortable victory, a Dennis Wyness penalty giving the home support something to cheer about.

"The doctors didn’t feel the need to put him in plaster, which is encouraging, and the injury doesn’t look as serious as we first thought.

"It’s a bit early to say at this stage how long he’ll be out for but at least it’s good news that it isn’t a bad break."

Nevertheless, missing the start of the new Scottish Premier League campaign is a blow for Simmons, who is desperate to impress boss Craig Levein in what is his final year of his current Hearts contract.

The Gorgie boss has already insisted this is a big season for the midfielder, who has failed to fulfil his potential since signing a four-year deal as a highly- promising teenager.

The tackle from Shields, which brought a booking from referee Stephen Finnie, incensed the home dug-out.

But Hibs No.2 Mark Venus today insisted there was no malice in the challenge from the combative midfielder.

"I hope Stephen Simmons isn’t out for too long. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for him," he said.

"We don’t like seeing anyone get injured. I think both players were entitled to go for the football and it looked a 50-50 tackle.

"I don’t think there was any malice in the challenge and knowing the lads in our dressing-room I am sure that is the case.

"I just hope the lad is okay and gets back and has a good season for himself."

Recent loan signing Michael Stewart played his first 90 minutes for some eight months last night and appeared to come through the clash with few problems as he attempts to attain proper match fitness after his move from Old Trafford.

Taken from the Scotsman