Kisnorbo ruled out of cup tie

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS star Patrick Kisnorbo will miss tomorrow’s Tennent’s Scottish Cup third-round replay against Partick Thistle as well as the league trip to Dundee this weekend.

The midfielder was due to enter hospital today for scans on his injured knee, the problem set to keep the Aussie ace on the sidelines as the Jambos embark on a hectic schedule of fixtures.

Tynecastle boss John Robertson will anxiously await news of the hospital visit, although he is facing up to the fact the 23-year-old, who will quit the club in the summer for Leicester City, will be unavailable at a vital time for the club. Hearts are due to face Livingston next Tuesday in a rearranged SPL match at Almondvale and there must be serious doubts if the Socceroo will be ready for that match.

"Patrick was due to have scans on his knee today so we will have to wait and see what they show," said the Hearts manager.

"He is obviously out of the replay and I’d imagine he will be struggling for the weekend, which is disappointing."

After the Lions clash, the Jambos welcome Aberdeen to the Capital before taking on Motherwell in the CIS Cup semi-final showdown at Easter Road on Tuesday, February 1.

Robertson had no fresh injury problems to report for tomorrow’s clash with Dick Campbell’s Jags, although new loan star Lee Miller, who scored within three minutes of his debut against Dundee United on Saturday, is ineligible having failed to sign in time.

"Everyone came through the weekend okay and we are all looking forward to the replay, which will be another tough game," added Robertson.

Meanwhile, out-of-favour Tynecastle winger Robert Sloan has taken the opportunity to kick-start his career at First Division St Johnstone.

The 21-year-old was due to complete his move to Perth today after agreeing an 18-month deal with the Saints. Sloan’s Hearts contract expired in the summer and he would not have been offered a new deal having failed to establish himself under new boss Robertson.

He jumped at the chance of a move when McDiarmid Park boss John Connolly expressed interest and Robertson said today: "Robert has agreed a deal with St Johnstone and it’s a chance for him to get back playing again.

"We wish him well for the future."

Taken from the Scotsman