Jamie Walker among trio ready for Hearts return in Inverness

Jamie Walker is fit to face Inverness - as are Sam Nicholson and Morgaro Gomis

Head coach Robbie Neilson is boosted by the return of three key players to offset the absences of suspended defenders Blazej Augustyn and Igor Rossi.

“Nicholson, Gomis and Walker will all be involved in the squad,” Neilson told the Evening News. “Walker has been training for the last couple of weeks, Sam has been training for the last three or four days, so they’re in good condition. Morgaro is in full training as well so they’ll all be available for Saturday.

“We could do with them back because we obviously have Igor and Blazej out, so we’re down in numbers. Getting those three back helps us. We’ll need to make three or four changes to the team so it’s an opportunity for guys to come in and do well, and then stake a claim for the following weekend against Hibs.”

Hearts host their Edinburgh rivals next Sunday in an eagerly-awaited Scottish Cup fifth-round tie. Neilson challenged his players to cement their places for that match by performing well in the Highlands this weekend.

“It’s an important for the players to get a place in the team and for the club to keep things going,” he continued. “We’ve been on a good run of late and we’ve kept three clean sheets in a row, which is pleasing. We want to keep the momentum going and take it into the Hibs game.

“We’ve been strong defensively but we’ll need to make some changes over the next couple of weeks. Blazej and Igor are out for Saturday and then Igor is out of the Hibs game as well. It’s an opportunity for boys to come in.”