Craig Halkett returns from suspension for the Ibrox trip while Derek McInnes sets expectations and outlines recovery windows for injured players.
Derek McInnes has confirmed that centre-back Craig Halkett is available for Hearts’ evening trip to Ibrox after serving a suspension that ruled him out of the Edinburgh derby. The squad flew to Glasgow looking to build on recent positive results against Rangers, and Halkett’s return gives McInnes another experienced option at the back.
Mood in the camp
There’s a cautious, upbeat feeling around the squad. McInnes pointed to the team’s wins as a confidence boost but was quick to temper that optimism with a reminder: Rangers remain a dangerous, well-invested side. The manager wants his players alert, particularly at set plays, and has been stressing clear communication and concentration across the defence in training.
Why Halkett’s return matters
Halkett’s availability restores a steadying presence in a defence that’s been reshuffled by suspensions and injuries. McInnes suggested his return not only widens selection choices but also helps keep the backline organised — something that will be especially valuable at Ibrox and in other high-pressure matches.
Kingsley setback and other injuries
Not all the news is positive. Stephen Kingsley faces about five weeks out with a calf injury and is unlikely to feature in the coming fixtures. That absence narrows options on the flanks and could force minor tactical tweaks or increased minutes for other full-backs while the club manages workloads.
Meanwhile, McInnes updated on several players in rehab: Cammy Devlin, Lawrence Shankland, Calum Nieuwenhof and academy forward Finlay Pollock are all at different stages. Devlin is described as “touch and go” for the late-month match against Aberdeen, pending pre-match checks. Shankland is pencilled in to return toward the last week of March. Nieuwenhof and Pollock are further from match readiness and will be assessed as they progress through scans and training loads.
Selection, tactics and recovery
McInnes repeated that medical staff tend to be more cautious than players keen to come back, and the club won’t rush anyone unnecessarily. Squad selection will balance immediate needs with the longer-term aim of keeping the squad fit and available. Expect pragmatic choices over the next block of games: rotation to protect key players, an emphasis on set-piece organisation and defensive cohesion, and the possibility of formation tweaks if full-back options are limited.
What supporters can expect
Supporters should prepare for sensible, risk-aware selections designed to sustain form across a congested schedule. Halkett’s return is a welcome boost; Kingsley’s absence is a headache that will be managed through rotation and tactical adjustments. McInnes has been candid about the limitations while expressing confidence in the group’s ability to respond in big matches — using recent victories as tangible proof of what the side can achieve when performance and mindset click.
The trip to Glasgow is important for Hearts’ season outlook. With a slightly strengthened defence but a tight squad, McInnes and his staff will be trying to extract the best possible performance while protecting players’ fitness for the run of fixtures ahead.
