Wilson back in training for Hearts

By BARRY ANDERSON
Published on 18/07/2013 12:00

HEARTS captain Danny Wilson was due to resume full training today along with teenager Callum Paterson. The Scotland internationalist has recovered from the thigh injury which ended last season prematurely for him.

Paterson’s torn foot ligaments have now healed and both players were expected to train with the first team at Riccarton this morning.

Wilson last played for Hearts at Kilmarnock on April 20, while Paterson has been missing since the trip to Celtic Park back on January 19. They have been unable to take part in any pre-season matches, but have managed to train individually with Hearts’ physios during the summer. Now they are ready to step up their preparations ahead of the new season.

“Danny is going to start training today,” explained manager Gary Locke. “We don’t have a big squad and it’s important to have competition for places. Brad McKay and Dylan McGowan have done very well in the centre-back roles, so they’ve got the jerseys at the minute. I’m delighted to get Danny back.

“I think Saturday against Queen of the South will be too early for him, we’re probably looking at our trip to Belfast [next week] realistically. If he gets a run over there then obviously he’ll come into contention for our first league game. It’s vital he gets a couple of games because he’s missed a bit and he’s a bit behind the others.

“Callum is the same, but he’s coming back today as well. They will be two valuable players for us. Callum is a big, fit lad and he’s enthusiastic about coming back. He’s fully recovered now, so there’s no reason why he should take his time. We’ll get him back training and see how he gets on in the games.”

Taken from the Scotsman