Hearts vs Queen of South preview - Hearts skipper to return?

Robbie Neilson hopes to welcome skipper Danny Wilson back to the Hearts line up for this weekend's Scottish Championship clash with Queen of the South.

The 22-year-old defender has not featured since limping off against city rivals Hibernian at the end of October with a hamstring strain.

Osman Sow (thigh) is still out while Morgaro Gomis is suspended after his red card against Celtic last Sunday.

Neilson said: "We've still got a few injures but the majority of them are coming back. I expect Danny to be part of the squad. It's good to get him back. He's a huge player for us and gives us an advantage both defensively and attacking as well.

"We've taken our time with him this time to make sure that he's right because December and January are huge months for us."

The Doonhamers have on-loan goalkeeper Zander Clark back in their ranks after he was not allowed to play against Brora Rangers in the Scottish Cup by parent club St Johnstone.

Player/manager James Fowler will name his side at Saturday lunchtime after fitness tests on Kevin Holt, Ian McShane and Mark Kerr who are all carrying knocks.

Michael Paton is not yet ready to return after a hamstring problem with Chris Mitchell (back), Stephen McKenna (heel) and Paul Burns (knee) remain out.

Fowler said: "Hearts will look to bounce back from the Celtic game but we are going there undefeated in seven games so we can look forward to it."