Hearts vs Falkirk preview - Sow back in Hearts' pack

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson is boosted by the return of Osman Sow for Falkirk's visit to Gorgie.

The striker has missed the last 11 weeks for the Scottish Championship leaders with a thigh injury but resumes action against the Bairns.

Dale Carrick is also pushing for his own return following injury, but Soufian El Hassnaoui is still out with an ankle problem, as is left-back Kevin McHattie (knee).

Hearts still lead the race for automatic promotion by 13 points following last week's abandoned clash with Rangers but Neilson is pleased to welcome back Sow.

He said: "I'm delighted Osman came back during the week. He played 45 minutes in the under-20s match against Hibs on Tuesday and did really well. He's been in full training so he'll be involved on Saturday.

"He'll be in the squad and we'll make the decision whether he gets some involvement in the game. It's gives us options. He gives us great pace and physicality up front, which is great."

Falkirk's Aaron Muirhead is still not ready to make his debut.

A knee injury is stopping the recently-signed defender from featuring for the Bairns following his move from Partick.

Muirhead is the only absentee for the visitors, who are looking to become the first side to defeat Hearts in the league this season.

Manager Peter Houston said: "We played very well against Queen of the South last weekend and all that was missing was the second goal to kill them off. It never came and they hit us with an equaliser but in terms of general play I am happy with where we are heading into a tough game at Hearts."