John Souttar returns to Hearts squad after nearly 400 days as fans react to much-changed team

Robbie Neilson has made six changes from the Hearts side which drew 0-0 with Arbroath at the weekend for the Scottish Cup clash with Brora Rangers this evening.

John Souttar returns to the Hearts squad. Picture: SNS

The big news surrounds John Souttar who makes a return to the first-team squad in 388 days after two ruptured Achilles, much to the delight of the Hearts support.

As for those starting, Ross Stewart, Peter Haring, Aidy White, Christophe Berra, Jamie Walker and Gervane Kastaneer have come in for Craig Gordon, Michael Smith, Mihai Popescu, Stephen Kingsley, Andy Halliday and Liam Boyce. It could mean a back three or back four.

If it is a back three (3-4-2-1): Stewart; Halkett, Haring, Berra; Kastaneer, McEneff, Irving, White; Mackay-Steven, Walker; Gnanduillet.

If it is a back four (4-2-3-1): Stewart; Halkett, Haring, Berra, White; Irving, McEneff; Kastaneer, Walker, Mackay-Steven; Gnanduillet.

@DMcIver22: “Gonna assume that's a back three with Haring, Halkett and Berra? I have no idea about the rest of it. Delighted Soapy is back but just...please be careful with him.”

@AaronFraser37: “SOUTTAR AT THE BACK BOYCEY IN ATTACK HAHAHA CMON THE FAMOUS. Yes I’m aware they’re both on the bench, still buzzing.”

@_RachLM: “Peter Haring, John Souttar if both could stay injury and red card free that would be great.”

@gorgieloyal1984: “Not a bad team quite impressed with this lineup especially since Walker starts.”

@DayleCass: “Am I seeing this right? Walker... starting?2

@RFBorthwick: “All in for Craig Halkett's roaming runs from right back tonight.”

@mrewanmurray: “John Souttar on the bench for Hearts. Fantastic news. Here’s to a comeback that delivers everything his career should.”