Hearts Q&A: Ginnelly fitness, new striker, Cochrane future - Barry Anderson answers readers questions

It’s the eve of one the biggest derbies in years as Hearts take on Hibs in Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final.
Hearts are in good form ahead of their clash with Hibs at Hampden.Hearts are in good form ahead of their clash with Hibs at Hampden.
Hearts are in good form ahead of their clash with Hibs at Hampden.

We’ve put our Hearts specialist Barry Anderson up for press today, taking social media questions from the Hearts support. Here’s what he’s had to say ...

Q: Is Josh Ginnelly fit for the game?: I don't think he's going to be 100 per cent after the thigh injury at Arbroath. I think a place on the bench is the best he can expect. Might be useful as an impact sub for the latter stages.

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Q: What's up with Steven Naismith? He's barely played for us!: He's been nursing a hamstring issue which has limited his time on the pitch so far. Hearts are being extra careful with him since he's had injuries in that area before.

Q: How bad is Christophe Berra's injury?: He is back running and getting gradually better. Should be back training with the squad next month. He missed all of pre-season so he needs to do a lot of it on his own now before he will be ready to play games.

Q: Barry, how do you reckon Hearts will line up? Usual 4-2-3-1 or a surprise in store: I'd expect 4-2-3-1. Doubt Robbie will deviate too much from that. The only thing he might do is start with a back three for the element of surprise but I think a four is more likely.

Q: Do you think Hearts are favourites for this one?: I wouldn't say one team are favourites over the other. There's next to nothing between the two squads. Hibs might have a slight edge because they have played more competitive matches, but Hearts' motivation to prove they should be in among the Premiership teams shouldn't be underestimated.

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Q: Barry - do you think there is much between the current squads on paper - and do you see the match going all the way to penalties?: As I said above, I think both squads are pretty evenly matched. Penalties wouldn't surprise me at all.

Q: Who is the No 9 shirt being kept for? Is it someone in January?: Hearts have looked for a striker for quite some time now but they haven't found the right type yet. A tall and mobile forward is the kind I would expect to come in during January, if not before, if they can find a suitable free agent.

Q: Does Harry Cochrane have a future at Hearts after today's loan news?: They plan to talk about a new contract with him in the weeks ahead. I'm told he is still part of the plans. He faces a lot of competition, though, with Lee, Halliday, Haring and Irving all ahead of him for those two centre-midfield slots. The loan is what he needs to get games and build up some momentum.

Q: Boyce or Wighton?: Boyce is the one I'd expect to start as the main striker against Hibs. Wighton will either play a supporting role or come off the bench as he did against Arbroath.

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Q: Barry, are you a Jambo or a Hibs fan?: Neither. My main interest is the Scotland national team – I’m a glutton for punishment!

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The key tactics involved as Hearts and Hibs prepare for Scottish Cup semi-final

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