Hearts are missing eight players for Brora Rangers tie - list of who can and can't play

Hearts travelled north today minus eight players for the Scottish Cup second-round tie against Brora Rangers.

Injuries, suspensions and international commitments mean manager Robbie Neilson is without a number of influential figures.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon is on international duty with Scotland, while defender Michael Smith is away with Northern Ireland.

Smith is suspended for the match at Dudgeon Park in any case, as is midfielder Andy Halliday. Defenders Stephen Kingsley, John Souttar and Jamie Brandon are injured along with winger Josh Ginnelly and captain Steven Naismith.

Neilson must therefore improvise in the Highlands tomorrow night but is boosted by the availability of striker Liam Boyce. He did not join the Northern Ireland squad after his wife gave birth.

Players like Aidy White, Peter Haring and Christophe Berra could find themselves restored to the starting line-up. White is the obvious replacement for Kingsley, Haring is back from suspension and Berra may feature in central defence if Mihai Popescu is shunted to right-back.

Full team news below:

Injured: Stephen Kingsley, John Souttar, Josh Ginnelly, Jamie Brandon, Steven Naismith.

Hearts are missing a number of experienced players against Brora Rangers.

Suspended: Michael Smith, Andy Halliday.

International duty: Craig Gordon, Michael Smith.

On loan: Colin Doyle (Kilmarnock), Harry Cochrane (Montrose), Olly Lee (Gillingham), Lewis Moore (Arbroath), Jordan Roberts (Motherwell), Craig Wighton (Dunfermline), Cammy Logan, Connor Smith (both Cove Rangers), Chris Hamilton (Stirling Albion), Harry Stone (Albion Rovers), Jay Sandison (Linlithgow Rose), Leon Watson (Bonnyrigg Rose), Leeroy Makovora, Sean Ward (both Gala Fairydean).

Available: Ross Stewart, Zdenek Zlamal, Aidy White, Peter Haring, Christophe Berra, Mihai Popescu, Craig Halkett, Andy Irving, Aaron McEneff, Scott McGill, Jamie Walker, Gary Mackay-Steven, Gervane Kastaneer, Elliott Frear, Euan Henderson, Liam Boyce, Armand Gnanduillet, Loic Damour.

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