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Kenneth in United frame Defender Garry Kenneth could return as Dundee United take on Hearts in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Wednesday. Kenneth may a contender to start after being an unused substitute in Sunday's 2-2 Scottish Cup quarter-final draw with Motherwell following a recent knee injury. Craig Conway has been struggling with a thigh problem and was substituted against Motherwell and could be doubtful, while Darren Dods (knee) and Scott Severin (ankle) remain long-term absentees. United manager Peter Houston is unfazed by the prospect of his side squeezing in their Scottish Cup quarter-final replay with Motherwell two days after Scotland's friendly with Brazil. United's 2-2 draw with Well last Sunday added to their fixture congestion but kept alive their hopes of a successful defence of the Scottish Cup. The replay has been scheduled for March 29, meaning Scotland assistant boss Houston will return to prepare his United side for the match immediately after the clash with Brazil at the Emirates Stadium. Houston said: "We're planning for the 29th because there's nothing else to go for. "We haven't got dates for it, so unless Motherwell look to change it... but I don't know when we'll be able to fit it in." United are in the midst of a run of five games in 12 days, all at home. With the SPL split approaching, games continue to come thick and fast and following the Scottish Cup replay at Fir Park - the winners of which will take on Brechin or St Johnstone in the semi-final - United are scheduled to play Rangers, Motherwell and then St Johnstone. Houston, who will be hopeful Wednesday's match survives the weather after torrential and persistent rain fell in the east of Scotland on Tuesday, added: "We're going to give the guys three or four days off next week because they've earned it and deserve it. "We want to look at the next two games, try and take some points from that. "They'll train Thursday, Friday, Saturday, I'll give them Sunday off and they'll train on Monday with me - I'll be back the day before the game. "We know Motherwell exceptionally well. All we'll be doing is working on our own team shape." Hearts pair Eggert Jonsson and Ruben Palazuelos are unavailable due to suspension. Lee Wallace (ankle) is battling for fitness while Rudi Skacel (Achilles) is also a doubt and Kevin Kyle (groin) remains out. But Hearts have reported no other problems with Ian Black and Jason Thomson returning to the squad. Skacel is confident Hearts can improve next season - but the midfielder knows they first have to ensure their impressive campaign does not fizzle out. Hearts are 13 points ahead in third place in the SPL, despite losing to fourth-placed Kilmarnock at the weekend. But manager Jim Jefferies is already looking ahead to strengthening his squad - recently holding talks with Kilmarnock midfielder Mehdi Taouil over a summer move and visiting owner Vladimir Romanov in Lithuania at the weekend for talks on transfer targets. And Skacel feels young players like David Templeton and Craig Thomson can hit even greater heights next term. The Czech Republic international said: "We have a young squad and so many are playing their first season, they can definitely improve and Hearts can be stronger next season." Skacel was part of the last Hearts team to win a trophy, playing in the 2006 Scottish Cup final win over Gretna, but he dismissed questions over whether the current side could emulate their past achievements. "I don't want to compare the teams, you can't compare the teams," he said. "We had great players, experienced players and at this point you can't compare them. There is still a big difference. "I don't think these young guys know what happened here five or six years ago, they can't imagine the atmosphere after the Scottish Cup. "It's past, it's a nice history for Hearts but we have to look forward. We have a young team and have to help this young team to grow. "I believe next season can be better because we are out of the Scottish Cup, it was a big disappointment because it was the chance to go to the semi-final or final." Skacel signed a contract until the end of the season when he rejoined Hearts in September, but there was an option for another 12 months and he will soon hold talks over his future. The 31-year-old said: "I feel young as well, so I am glad I am part of this family! "We have to finish the job, I will focus on the next couple of games and we will wait and see what happens."