HEARTS today had their fears relieved over record signing Mirsad Beslija as it emerged the Bosnian winger has suffered no long-term damage to his injured knee.

Beslija was stretchered off after 82 minutes of Saturday's Scottish Cup victory over Aberdeen after having his left knee trapped underneath the studs of visiting substitute John Stewart in a worrying collision.

From supporters to head coach Graham Rix there were concerns that the 26-year-old could have suffered a similar injury to recent signing Neil McCann, who damaged ligaments on his second Hearts debut at Kilmarnock last month.

However, there remains an outside chance of Beslija even being fit enough for tomorrow's SPL visit to Dundee United.

Assistant coach John McGlynn said: "It's not as bad as first thought and he could possibly make tomorrow night, although he will be looked at again by our physios over the next 24 hours. It was painful for Mirsad at the time because the boy's studs caught him across the knee and it was gashed, but we don't think it's caused any long-term damage.

"At first we were thinking the worst on the bench but he was in at the club yesterday and he's walking around fine."

Midfielder Rudi Skacel and defender Takis Fyssas were ordered away from Tynecastle on Saturday morning with flu, and as such remain doubtful for tomorrow night.

McGlynn added: "Their condition isn't drastic. All the other players were in yesterday but they stayed off so we have to see what condition they are in." Paul Hartley will be available to Rix again after sitting out a one-match suspension on Saturday,

Hearts compensated well at the weekend after the loss of one of their most influential players. Rix said: "I'd have settled for 3-0 before the game.

"Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, we have another big game tomorrow and we must focus on that now."

Ticket prices for Hearts fans intending to travel to Tannadice are £19 and £21 for adults and £9 and £11 for concessions.

Children under 12 who can produce SPL passport voucher 17 will be admitted free if they are accompanied by a paying adult.

This Saturday's league match with Aberdeen at Tynecastle in already a sell-out.

Taken from the Scotsman