Bruno set for Hearts return after reserve clash

HEARTS midfielder Bruno Aguiar was due to return from injury today in a reserve outing against Dundee United following a year-long absence with a persistent ankle problem.

The 27-year-old has completed his rehabilitation programme under the watchful eyes of club medical staff. Stephen Frail, Hearts' interim manager, revealed that Aguiar is now free to augment his fitness at reserve level, starting this afternoon at Forthbank Stadium, before a possible first-team return before the end of the season.

A training-ground tackle from former team-mate Julien Brellier last year left the Portuguese midfielder requiring two operations on the damaged ankle. He also underwent a third procedure to remove a tumour from his foot, further delaying his recovery.

His last appearance in a Hearts shirt was exactly a year ago today in a 2-1 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox, and Frail is heartened to see such an integral player finally ready to return. "Bruno's in line to play some part of the reserve match," he told the Evening News. "He'll probably come on and get involved later on when the game is stretched and I'm delighted he's now at this stage of being ready to play games.

"He's been out for such a long time and the recovery has been difficult for him. He is an influential type who we've missed in midfield and hopefully we might see him in the first team before the season finishes, although there won't be any additional pressure put on him."

Frail's central midfield options remain plentiful with Michael Stewart, Eggert Jonsson, Ruben Palazuelos and Fernando Screpis all favouring the middle of the park. However, he believes Aguiar's return could be akin to signing a new player.

"He was a big player for us in the past and it might be like having a new signing at the club because he's been out for so long. He has good technique, passing ability and awareness so we're looking forward to seeing how he progresses in the next few weeks."

Screpis was also expected to face United today in a strong reserve line-up also including Marius Zaliukas, Juho Makela and Jamie Mole. Frail is keen to keep players' fitness at a premium following Saturday's 3-2 victory over St Mirren at Tynecastle. Goals from Jonsson, Gary Glen and Larry Kingston secured the three points and Frail declared himself delighted with Hearts' scoring prowess following a mere two goals in their previous four matches. "We were maybe a bit fortuitous with the deflection for Eggert's goal but the second was well worked, the young lad Glen chipped in with the second and Kingston chipped in with a fantastic free kick," he said.

Asked about 18-year-old Glen, who scored his first top-team goal on his first start, he added: "A lot of big clubs, including Manchester United, were courting his signature when he came here but he chose us and I think that he has shown that he is a clever player.

"He should probably have scored with his first touch but he was bright enough to follow it in and get the finish in the end. He had a big smile on his face in the dressing room after the game."