Hearts fans urged to be quick

HEARTS supporters were today urged to move swiftly to avoid missing out on the Jambos' success story this season.

Having initially capped season ticket sales at the 11,000 mark following unprecedented demand to see George Burley's league leaders in action, the club handed fans an unexpected boost by releasing an extra 1500 briefs a fortnight ago. Communications Director David Southern today revealed that less than 150 remain to be sold and urged fans to act now to ensure their seat at Tynecastle for the remainder of the campaign.

"Both the forthcoming Dunfermline and Kilmarnock matches look like they will sell out and that will mean our first six matches of the season have been complete sell-outs as far as the home support is concerned," he said.

"Our extra allocation of season tickets is now down to around the 150 level and we expect them to go over the next few days. This is the supporters' last chance to guarantee their seat for the season."

The new quota of tickets are valid from the visit of Dundee United on Saturday, November 5.

Boss George Burley, meanwhile, has given the green light to goalkeeper Craig Gordon to return to the first team against the Pars this weekend - providing he proves his fitness.

Understudy Steve Banks donned the gloves in place of the suspended 22-year-old for the 1-1 draw against Celtic at Parkhead and performed superbly as Hearts maintained their three-point lead at the top of the SPL.

Gordon has been nursing a groin injury and was expected to train today for the first time this week with Burley set to recall him to the starting XI.

"Steve did very well against Celtic and didn't let anybody down but Craig will come back into the team if he is fully fit," said the Gorgie boss.

"He has had a groin problem from being away with Scotland and hasn't trained this week but we're hopeful he'll be okay."

Hearts, meanwhile, went down to a late goal from Aiden McGeady in yesterday's SP Reserve League clash against Celtic at Forthbank. The Parkhead star struck two minutes from time.

Hearts: MacDonald, Thomson, Tierney, Tall, Berra, Neill, Mikoliunas (Driver, 84), Johnsson, Elliot, Mole, Cesnauskis.

Taken from the Scotsman