Hearts players pushing to return for vital game against Kilmarnock

Several players are pushing for a recall to Hearts’ starting line-up at Kilmarnock this weekend as the Edinburgh club prepare for another demanding midweek European trip.

They travel to Rugby Park for a 3pm kick-off on Sunday in the cinch Premiership before flying out to Tuscany on Wednesday for a Europa Conference League tie with Fiorentina 24 hours later.

Changes to the team are anticipated following Thursday’s 3-0 defeat at home to the Italians. Stephen Humphrys, on loan from Wigan Athletic, is in contention for a place in attack whilst Toby Sibbick could make an appearance in defence. Midfielder Robert Snodgrass is available for domestic games but ineligible for European matches.

All three are in need of game time to improve match fitness. Humphrys in particular has performed well in recent games by running at opponents with a direct and attacking style, using his pace and strength.

Sibbick’s form has been inconsistent so far this term but he will be in the frame for a place in the Stadio Artemio Franchi next Thursday. Lewis Neilson’s straight red card against Fiorentina at Tynecastle leaves the teenager suspended for the game in Florence.

Sibbick could step in as a like-for-like replacement on the right side of central defence and may therefore be given game time against Kilmarnock to prepare him.

Midfielder Cammy Devlin starts a two-game ban in Ayrshire following his dismissal against Rangers last weekend. The Australian will also sit out the trip to Aberdeen next week but is available to play in midweek against Fiorentina.

Hearts need a result at Rugby Park to rejoin the Premiership’s top half after slipping to seventh in the table.