Oisin McEntee has been sidelined through injury for more than a month, but he could be in contention for a place in the Hearts squad to face St Mirren at Tynecastle on Saturday (15.00).
The Irishman (pictured heading for a work-out at The Oriam) trained this week after treatment on a calf problem and club bosses are waiting to assess his fitness as the Jambos begin a tough schedule of nine games in a month.
They include UEFA Conference League clashes and there are matches every weekend and in midweek until the November international break.
Wouter Vrancken, head coach, said Hearts had worked hard to put themselves in this position and the club want to give a good account of themselves in domestic and international football.
Meanwhile, James Wilson suffered a knock playing for Scotland under-21 in midweek, but Hearts bosses claim it is a minor issue.
The club’s leading scorer could, therefore, be available for the William Hill Premiership test against St Mirren who they faced in their first pre-season friendly in Spain in early July.
Vrancken has watched footage of games involving The Buddies since then and he said: “We know how they play.”
