Hearts defender Craig Halkett suffers injury ahead of Scottish Cup tie with Airdrie

Centre-back rated doubtful after taking a knock in training

Hearts defender Craig Halkett suffered a knock in training

Hearts defender Craig Halkett is rated doubtful for Saturday's Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Airdrie after suffering a knock in training.

He sustained the injury on Tuesday and, although it is not considered serious, he is facing a race to recover in time for this weekend.

The Edinburgh club are hopeful he will declare himself fit to take his place in central defence, with fellow centre-back Christophe Berra having recently been told he is surplus to manager Daniel Stendel's requirements.

Halkett donned Berra's captain's armband against Aberdeen in the final match before the winter shutdown but it remains to be seen if he will be available to step in as skipper again this week.

He will be given until the last minute to declare himself fit but the return of John Souttar from an ankle problem gives Stendel another option. He and Clevid Dikamona could both feature against Airdrie if Halkett fails to make it.

The 24-year-old, signed from Livingston last summer, returned to action last month following two months out with damaged knee ligaments.