RIX RELIEF OVER BESLIJA INJURY

Hearts head coach Graham Rix has welcomed the news record signing Mirsad Beslija has not suffered knee ligament damage.

Beslija was carried off on his debut in the 3-0 Scottish Cup win against Aberdeen on Saturday after substitute John Stewart accidentally stood on his left knee.

It was feared the Bosnian, one of 11 new faces who arrived at Tynecastle last month in a £850,000 deal from Racing Genk, may have sustained ligament damage but that has proved not to be the case and Beslija could even feature at Dundee United in tomorrow evening's SPL meeting.

Rix, who may also welcome back top scorer Rudi Skacel and Takis Fyssass after flu at Tannadice but has a doubt over new left-back Jose Goncalves, said: "Mirsad's injury is not as bad as first thought and he has got a chance of playing tomorrow.

"He trained this morning and provided there is no reaction tomorrow he is available for selection.

"Goncalves had a super debut on Saturday against Aberdeen I thought, but he has a slight problem with his groin and we'll see how he is tomorrow.

"Fyssas and Skacel both came in this morning feeling a lot better and trained and seemed okay.

"Again, we'll see how they are and see if there is any reaction."

Hearts return to league duty after impressive home victories against Hibs in the SPL and against Jimmy Calderwood's Dons.

With SPL leaders Celtic not playing until Wednesday when they entertain Falkirk at Parkhead, the Gorgie outfit can cut the gap at the top to five points with a win over Craig Brewster's improving side.

Rix added: "The way we're playing at the moment we want to play every day.

"The last two games have been fantastic and I take my hat off to the boys for their work-rate and attitude and spirit they have shown amongst themselves, besides the football they have played and the goals they have scored.

"The whole place is buzzing at the moment but Tannadice is a tough place to go to and they have a new manager in Craig as well, so it won't be easy. "They'll be fired up and we've got to match that. But if we give 100% I can't ask any more from my boys."

Scotland international midfielder Paul Hartley is also available for Hearts at United after suspension.

Taken from sportinglife.com