Exclusive:Wide-right and right-back issues taxing Hearts for the Hibs derby as they look to replace Craig Halkett

Several team selection issues are occupying the minds of Hearts management ahead of Tuesday’s Edinburgh derby with Hibs. Tynecastle Park will be packed by supporters of both sides for another keenly-anticipated meeting of the two Capital neighbours. Who plays - and where - is the subject of much pre-match chatter as the Premiership leaders look to increase their points advantage over Celtic and Rangers.

Recent signings Islam Chesnokov and Rogers Mato are improving fitness in an effort to be involved. Chesnokov has the best chance. The right side of Hearts’ team needs a winger with similar qualities to Alexandros Kyziridis on the opposite flank: Confidence, dribbling skill, pace, a goal threat and a touch of arrogance. Chesnokov has those and will come into contention for a starting place, although the final decision is down to head coach Derek McInnes.

The imposing central midfielder Oisin McEntee played wide on the right of midfield in the last two matches against Dundee United and St Mirren. McInnes could opt for that selection again and keep Chesnokov as an impact substitute for the second half. Much depends on whether he wants to start the match with two wingers and attack Hibs from kick-off. Either way, Kyziridis is a cert to play on the left ahead of Mato.

Chesnokov has managed only one appearance for Hearts since arriving early last month. He came on as a substitute in the Scottish Cup tie against Falkirk and won a penalty with a driving forward run, illustrating the direct approach he can offer. Since then, the Kazakhstan internationalist has undergone what McInnes termed a “mini pre-season” to raise his fitness to a level where he can start matches. The Hibs game was pencilled in as one he could feature in.

The Albanian winger Sabah Kerjota has also been pushing for a starting place through the winter. He provides dangerous crosses and a talented left foot off the right flank, although he tends to let opposition runners go and fail to track his man when out of possession at times. His case for a place is getting stronger, however.

Behind right midfield, right-back continues to be position of debate among Hearts fans. Injuries have hitherto prevented Norwegian Christian Borchgrevink making any real impression, hence Dutchman Jordi Altena’s arrival last month. Yet centre-back Michael Steinwender continues to play right-back more often than anybody else. The reason for this is pace and more defensive attributes.

Altena’s technique and attacking qualities are not in question, but his defending is not as reliable. He struggled to cope with Dundee United’s Kristijan Tapanovski last week as balls were played in behind him. Altena appears more suited to a wing-back role than full-back. When Hearts dominate the ball and are attacking, he will be a useful weapon. The reasons for choosing Steinwender are: Better defensive solidity, speed and height. It remains to be seen who gets the nod against Hibs. Borchgrevink is only just resuming training so he certainly won’t play from the start in such a high-octane fixture.

The easiest decision for Hearts would appear to be who replaces the suspended Craig Halkett in central defence. Halkett’s red card at St Mirren on Tuesday night triggered a one-game ban to be served against Hibs. Frankie Kent is poised to take his place. The Englishman came on as substitute and immediately took the Hearts captain’s armband after Halkett gave it to Harry Milne before trudging off the field in Paisley. Kent is certain to partner Stuart Findlay in defence for the derby.

“I hope so, yeah,” Kent told the Edinburgh News. “Since the [knee] injury [in September], it’s been a bit on and off for me. Granted, the two centre-halves [Halkett and Findlay] have probably been the best two centre-halves in the league. I’ve had to bide my time and wait for my chance. Now, if it is me playing, hopefully I can just take the chance, add to the team and play my part. I’m definitely confident I can do that.

“Tuesday was a tough one but there is loads to be positive about and there is no better game to bounce back in. The derby is all we can look forward to now. What happened on Tuesday is done, it’s not nice but it’s a little bump in the road. All focus now is on the Hibs game.”

After losing 3-2 at Easter Road in December, Hearts intend to use that result as motivation. “Yeah, why not? I think so,” said Kent. “It was a disappointing day. We probably didn’t show up as well as we could have. We didn’t play at our best and we still nearly got something out of the game. We need to be at our best on Tuesday because it’s a derby and you need to be up for the fight.”

Kent has been kept on the substitutes’ bench for most of the campaign due to Halkett’s imperious form. Yet he is still a valued member of the Hearts squad, underlined by the fact he was given the armband when entering the field against St Mirren. “Of course, yeah. Barring the injury, I’ve had such a good time here,” he said. “It’s such a good group to be a part of and I feel a big part of it. This is my third season at Hearts and I just love being here with the boys. It’s so nice to be part of a team that’s doing so well. Anything I can add - whether that’s coming off the bench as I’ve done quite a lot over the last couple of months, or starting games - I’m ready to go.”

The level of competition within Hearts’ 30-man first-team squad dictates that players must seize any opportunity to play and stake their claim. “Yeah, that’s it 100 per cent,” agreed Kent. “Like I said, I do know the situation. It’s a tough one. Not one I’ve been in a lot in my career but it’s a learning curve. I can’t do anything about it. The team has been playing brilliant, the defence has been brilliant. I understand the situation. It’s just on me now. The pressure is on me to live up to how they have been playing. I know I can do it. There is no bigger pressure than playing for Hearts against Hibs. It’s something I will look forward to if I am playing.”