PAUL HARTLEY is back playing for Hearts - but is unlikely to start the big showdown with Rangers on Saturday.

Paul Hartley celebrating his goal

Paul Hartley is unlikely to return to the Hearts line-up for Saturday's Ibrox showdown

Tynecastle coach John McGlynn reckons the trip to Ibrox would be a game too soon for the comeback star.

The inspirational midfielder showed he is over his groin injury in a bounce game with Gretna yesterday.

Hartey played for 45 minutes but McGlynn feels it would be unrealistic to talk about reclaiming a top-team spot right now.

McGlynn said: "It was great to give Paul a run-out but playing against Rangers is different in intensity.

"He has the slimmest outside chance of being ready for that.

"We will see how he feels in the morning and assess things further but there won't be any chances taken.

"We also have the Champions League qualifier with AEK Athens coming up and maybe we'll look at that game being more realistic for him.

"Paul is key to the way we play and there's no doubt he's played a huge part in the success we've had here.

"Without him, the balance in the midfield hasn't been quite right. Any side would miss a player of his quality but we won't rush him back."

Hartley admitted he found the going tough against Gretna. He said: "It was good to be back. It's been a long three months and I'm shattered after just 45 minutes but it was just nice to be back playing again. I'm just trying to get my fitness and sharpness back and I felt good when I had the ball.

"Over the next couple of days I hope I can build up my training.

"I don't know about playing this weekend. I've only played 45 minutes and I'm very tired.

"We'll see how the next couple of days go and then it will be up to the manager to see what he thinks. I'm not ruling it out but it might be too early."

After missing the first three SPL matches, as well as the Champions League qualifiers against Bosnians Siroki Brijeg and the first leg of the Athens tie, Hartley is desperate to return to the fold. He said: "It's been frustrating. No player likes having to watch games from the stand.

"The lads have done well when I've not been there but the Champions League games particularly are ones you want to be playing in and I've missed them.

"This was the only game we could squeeze in before playing Rangers and then AEK Athens.

"I don't know whether I'll be able to make an impact over in Greece but if I'm involved I'll do my best."

Hearts won 2-0 against Gretna, with goals from Bruno Aguiar and Juho Makela. Steve Banks, Hristos Karipidis, Lee Wallace and Tiago Costa also took part for the Jambos.

Gretna striker David Bingham had his first 90 minutes in more than eight months due to a viral complaint.

Taken from the Daily Record