Hearts: Robbie Neilson gives fitness update on Andy Halliday and Stephen Kingsley

Hearts expect to have midfielder Andy Halliday back for Friday’s Championship match against Alloa, but left-back Stephen Kingsley will miss out again.

Hearts duo Andy Halliday and Stephen Kingsley missed last weekend's draw at Dunfermline.

Halliday was absent due to injury for Hearts’ 0-0 draw last weekend against Dunfermline, while Kingsley has been sidelined with a groin injury since the March 20 clash with Arbroath at Gayfield.

Manager Robbie Neilson offered an update on the duo’s fitness ahead of the Wasps’ visit to Tynecastle as Hearts look to take another step closer to the title.

"Andy has a thigh strain, he picked it up last Friday in training,” said Neilson. “He had a fitness test before Dunfermline and didn't quite make it. He should be back for Friday as I was swaying about putting him on the bench at Dunfermline. We decided not to take the risk.

"Stephen is getting closer. I don't think he'll make Friday but I hope we get him back before the season finishes.”