Hearts explain Stephen Humphrys situation during fresh injury update for RFS tie

Stephen Humphrys remains an injury doubt for Hearts ahead of Thursday’s Europa Conference League tie against RFS. Management are also awaiting confirmation on other players’ fitness as they prepare to finalise a squad.

Humphrys, the on-loan Wigan Athletic forward, sustained a knock against Celtic on Saturday and was substituted after 39 minutes. He remains touch-and-go for the visit of the Latvian champions after scoring his first European goal away to Fiorentina two weeks ago.

Defender Michael Smith and winger Josh Ginnelly were also withdrawn against Celtic with cramp and will be assessed ahead of kick-off. Peter Haring should return after concussion. Centre-backs Craig Halkett and Kye Rowles are not expected to be risked despite starting running at Riccarton after recent hamstring and foot injuries respectively.

“We are still touch and go with a couple of them,” said Robbie Neilson, the Hearts manager. “We have a few back in and a few out so we will wait and see tomorrow and then make a decision. We still have a bit of time before the game so there will be a few in.”

Asked if Humphrys might be available, Neilson replied: “Potentially. He is one of the ones we are still waiting on at the moment.”

Hearts beat RFS 2-0 in Riga last month and hope to repeat that scoreline at Tynecastle Park. “Whenever you play at Tynecastle, whether it's a European game, a league game or a cup game, you need to go and try to win it. This is an opportunity to do that,” said Neilson. “We got a great result over there against RFS and we hope to do the same tomorrow night.”