Kevin Kyle has set a target of the derby against Hibs as the ideal game for his return to action from injury. The former Kilmarnock striker scored 10 times last season before being side-lined for six months thanks to a hip problem. While things are progressing fitness-wise Kyle is dreaming of being fully fit for Hibs' visit on 28 August.
Kyle said: "I've pencilled in a wee game against Hibernian at the end of August, so that would be ideal - perfect really, if I was back for that one. If I could come on and do what I do best, score a last-minute winner, then I'm sure everybody would happy with that and hopefully forget about the last six months."
Ahead of that game, Hearts will take on either Tromso or Paksi in the Europa League third qualifying round next week. Whilst the home and away games will come too soon for the big striker to be involved, he is hopeful of being available for a play-off round should Hearts make it over the first hurdle. Kyle said: "I hope that whoever it is we play, be it Tromso or Paksi, we get through that tie and by the next round I should be back playing round about then."