Tullberg all set to make Hearts debut at Falkirk

BARRY ANDERSON
MIKE TULLBERG should be sufficiently fit for a Hearts debut within the next week, according to manager Csaba Laszlo, who expects his squad to be further boosted by Robbie Neilson's return from injury.
The lack of a cutting edge has irked Laszlo during the season's early weeks and the Hungarian is encouraged that Danish striker Tullberg is almost ready to challenge for a place in the team.

Fitness permitting, he could feature next weekend when Hearts visit Falkirk in the SPL.

"We are missing Mike Tullberg a little bit but next week he is back," said Laszlo, who brought the player to Hearts on a season-long loan from the Italian club Reggina. "We didn't like to risk him against Hamilton.

"He did separate training on Thursday and Friday to work on his individual fitness and I think next week he can play maybe 90 minutes. If we have Tullberg we have more possibilities in attack."

Neilson is hopeful of returning to full training next week.

"Robbie only needs one week and he should be able to train with the team, so that is positive," continued Laszlo. "If Robbie is back it gives us another possibility at right-back.

Jason Thomson has done a good job. I know he is a young guy and this is his first really hard season.

"He will be a good player but he needs competition and I think Robbie will be back in the team soon."

Laszlo also intends to utilise Christian Nade's talent to augment his attacking options. "Nade will be training better and better every day. He is working very hard and we appreciate his effort," said the Hungarian. Meanwhile, Bruno Aguiar, the Portuguese midfielder, remains slightly further off a comeback as he recovers from a knee injury. He has not played for over 16 months.

Laszlo went on: "Bruno is a very difficult case. I think he needs the next two weeks to be fit. It's a very difficult injury with the knee ligament. I don't think we can use him in the next two or three weeks. Even after he comes back he will need time to be fit for matches."

Meanwhile, Christos Karipidis is expected to remain with Hearts beyond the closure of the transfer window. PAOK Salonika have held discussions with Tynecastle officials about bringing the player back to Greece but the clubs cannot agree a fee.

Taken from the Scotsman