Hearts star Josh Ginnelly provides update which could boost chances of deal

Josh Ginnelly has undergone surgery for a hamstring injury. Picture: SNS

The winger underwent an operation for a ruptured hamstring which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

Ginnelly, on loan from Preston North End, suffered a second injury blow this campaign within the first 20 minutes.

Back in October he was subbed within the first ten minutes of a league encounter at Arbroath. He lasted under 20 minutes in the recent 4-0 win at Raith Rovers in the Championship.

Scans showed that he had ruptured his hamstring with the player having surgery.

He tweeted: “Operation was a success. Thanks to all for the messages.”

At the weekend, the player dismissed any notion of being injury prone.

"Well and truly gutted to be missing the rest of the season,” he said on social media.

"Was a pleasure to wear this shirt the focus remains the same I’m sure this team will put this club back to where it belongs. Thank you for all the messages.

"For all the injury prone talkers this is the first time in my career I’ve had these problems so never try and label me.”

Ginnelly is out of contract at Preston in the summer and despite starting just five games this campaign impressed the fans and manager Robbie Neilson, netting four goals in ten appearances.

The Hearts boss hasn't ruled out a future for the player at Tynecastle beyond this season.

“We will wait for him to get the operation done and see what the rehab time is going to be,” Neilson said. “We will still have a chat with him and see where we are with things.”