Hearts striker Liam Boyce doubtful for St Mirren match after missing training

Hearts striker Liam Boyce has not trained this week

Hearts are preparing for Friday's relegation battle against St Mirren without striker Liam Boyce, who has not trained this week due to illness.

He has been absent from Riccarton and is rated extremely doubtful for the match in Paisley.

Manager Daniel Stendel confirmed the news this morning as he readied his team for their most important match of the season.

He is also without midfielder Marcel Langer as the German serves the second of a two-game ban for a red card against Celtic. Toby Sibbick is still missing, also due to illness, but could resume full training next week.

"At the moment Liam is ill and cannot train. He has not trained so far this week," Stendel told the Evening News. "Marcel Langer is suspended so we are also without him.

"Sibbick is not ready. He is still not fit. He started to run a little bit but I don't think he cannot start full training before next week. He has been out for three weeks so I'm not sure if he will have the chance to play next week or not."