Injured Callum Paterson to miss Hearts’ cup final

By BARRY ANDERSON
Published on Wednesday 30 January 2013 13:32

HEARTS teenager Callum Paterson is almost certain to miss the League Cup 
final after tearing ligaments in his foot. The initial prognosis for the midfielder’s recovery indicates he will be sidelined for months rather than weeks, which would render him unavailable for the Hampden Park showpiece against St Mirren on March 17.

Paterson, 18, is currently on crutches waiting on swelling to reduce around the injury. He will then consult a specialist for an exact recovery time, but Hearts have been told his absence is expected to be lengthy.

“Callum had an X-ray and a scan but it’s still very swollen,” explained John McGlynn, the Hearts manager. “He has to keep weight off it for a week until the swelling goes down, then he can go back for another scan to determine how he will be treated and hopefully get a better idea of how long he’s going to be out. We’ve been told months rather than weeks. That will be clarified better with the next scan.”

Paterson has featured in every match for Hearts this season when fit, having been promoted from the youth team following McGlynn’s appointment as manager last summer. He damaged
his foot in training last week. Hearts’ medical staff are hopeful the injury may not be as bad as feared, but even a short recovery time would still leave the player struggling to be fit for the League Cup final.

Taken from the Scotsman