Jim Jefferies is hopeful new signing Stephen Elliott will be fit for Hearts' trip to Hamilton on Saturday despite the striker going off injured in Tuesday night's closed-door clash with East Fife in Methil.
The Republic of Ireland international, who made his debut from the bench in the weekend draw with St Johnstone at Tynecastle, was replaced during the 2-0 victory after complaining of a hamstring problem, but the Gorgie boss claims that the substitution was simply precautionary.
"He thought he had maybe tweaked something and so we decided to take him off," Jefferies told the club's official website, www.heartsfc.co.uk. "Fingers crossed he will be fine for Saturday.".
Jerreries added: "It was disappointing for him as he had been looking sharper. It's nothing drastic and he'll be in for treatment."
Jefferies was glad to see striker Kevin Kyle come through the game unscathed.
He said: "You could see he needed the game and I'm sure he'll benefit from it.
"The game was quite competitive and we could have scored a few more."
Both goals in were netted by trialist Jonathan Toto.
Source: PA
