Injury setback for Jamie Hamill in bid to return to the Hearts first team

Jamie Hamill has suffered a setback on his return to the Hearts team following knee ligament surgery.

The full back sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in training in April last year and has been on a process of rehabilitation over the past nine months.

Hamill, 26, had resumed training with the first team last month but troublesome pain in the affected knee has seen his return scaled back.

Manager John McGlynn confirmed the 2011 capture from Kilmarnock was back in rehabilitation but said he hoped that Hamill would be back in full training sooner rather than later.

Speaking to Hearts TV, the Tynecastle boss said: “Hamill was backed off a wee bit because his knee was giving him a bit of pain.

“He’s now back working in the rehabilitation room with Rob Marshall the physiotherapist.

“We just have to wait and see how he gets along. If he can progress and get back into running and eventually get back training with the first team.

“Hopefully that’s not too far away.”

Meanwhile McGlynn has said the club are working with a number of young stars to try and tie them up to new contracts.

Kevin McHattie, Dylan McGowan, Scott Robinson and Arvydas Novikovas are among the academy products who have made an impact in the SPL this term and McGlynn told supporters the club wants to keep the best youngsters at Tynecastle.

He added: “I’m hoping we’re going to have news for the fans fans shortly.

“We’re working with a number of players at the minute. We can assure [supporters] the best young players will be plying their trade next season at Tynecastle.”