JJ is no gambler

Last updated : 08 April 2010 By TwoTonTed

Hearts badgeJJ has no plans to gamble on Ismael Bouzid's fitness, despite the defender coping with a full 90 minutes friendly against Motherwell on Tuesday. Algerian Bouzid has been out for more than two months with a double hamstring injury and JJ does not want to see that extended by rushing him back too soon. While JJ is keen to see him back in the first team, he poured cold water on the suggestion that Bouzid  would be making his comeback against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

JJ said: "It is not just a game to throw him in this weekend though because it's very important and he's got to be right. There are other games after the split when we can get him back in, if need be. Ismael has missed a lot of games and we need to see how he reacts tomorrow when we'll have a better idea. It was good for him to get 90 minutes under his belt, though."

It was also good to hear that Calum Elliot managed to play 20 minutes of the friendly as he continues to fight back from a long standing knee problem.