Hearts boost as John Souttar makes early return to training

Hearts defender John Souttar took a huge step forward in his recovering from a ruptured Achilles.

John Souttar took part in first-team training today. Picture: SNS

The 24-year-old was involved in today’s training session where he took part in ball work.

Souttar’s rehabilitation has been positive with the player often ahead of timescales.

It is coming up for 12 months since the centre-back last played, a Scottish Cup win over Rangers when he suffered a ruptured Achilles in the first half. It snapped again in August during the player’s recovery.

Souttar wasn’t expected to join the squad until next month but Hearts released footage of the defender involved in today’s training.

Despite the positive strides, the aim is for the player to make his first-team return next season.

“John is doing brilliantly and he’s looking good,” Neilson told the Evening News. “We just need to take our time with him. The aim is still to get him back for next season.”