LEE SET FOR JUL ROLE

HEARTS are praying key man Julien Brellier is fit for tomorrow's Champions League clash as frozen-out Lee Johnson prepares to step into the breach.

The Jambos are hopeful of Brellier recovering from a hamstring injury picked up during last week's friendly win over Osasuna.

But if he doesn't boss Valdas Ivanauskas could turn to Johnson for the tie against Siroki Brijeg - despite having told the Englishman he has no future at Tynecastle.

However, first-team coach John McGlynn is hopeful Brellier, 24, can make it but has told the Frenchman he must complete a full training session with his team-mates this morning if he is to have any chance of featuring against the Bosnians.

McGlynn, who also revealed the club are set to send Portuguese trialist Tiago Costa home, said: "Julien trained with the physio on Monday.

"There is a chance he could train with the rest of the squad on Tuesday but we will have to wait and see.

"We could bring him back into the side for the game but then it could flare up again so we have to watch.

"We don't have a lot of cover in that area with Paul Hartley also being out although we are not giving up on Julien at the moment. But if he does not make it we have to make sure we find the right blend in midfield and we try to get someone like Julien in there."

Meanwhile, Scotland defender Andy Webster's future remains uncertain with Premiership outfit Wigan still waiting on an answer from the Hearts contract rebel.

Webster travelled to the JJB stadium last Monday for talks and bosses expected a decision at the weekend.

But the 24-year-old's agent Charlie Duddy last night said: "We are in the middle of negotiations with a number of clubs."

Taken from the Daily Record