Hearts striker Craig Beattie could face Aberdeen

CRAIG BEATTIE hopes to face Aberdeen this weekend after resuming training with Hearts. The striker’s heel problem has responded to treatment and, provided there is no reaction, he will be available when the Pittodrie club visit Tynecastle on Saturday.

In a further boost to the Hearts squad, March’s wages were deposited into bank accounts yesterday and are now up to date, although bonus payments remain outstanding for some players. The news of Beattie’s recovery helps dispense with some of the disappointment lingering around Riccarton following last Saturday’s 2-1 loss at St Johnstone. The 28-year-old failed a pre-match fitness test at McDiarmid Park due to pain in his heel and his presence was missed in attack.

His return would heighten hope of Hearts securing their top-six place by taking three points from Aberdeen. Victory would make it mathematically impossible for seventh-placed Kilmarnock to catch up.

Beattie has scored two goals in four appearances since arriving at Tynecastle last month on a short-term contract until the end of the season. He has helped reinvigorate the forward line and become an instant favourite with supporters. He will hope to regain a starting berth against Aberdeen and take up where he left off before the heel injury interrupted his progress.