 Andy Driver hopes to be back in full training this week, depending on the weather of course, while looking for a return to the first team by the end of next month. Another day of training in the Riccarton astrodome is the best that the squad can hope for today. This is not a good thing to hear as far as Driver is concerned as the synthetic surface does not suit a player returning from injury. However, Driver will be there and will rejoin his colleagues for training as soon as the medics give him the nod. The winger has not played this season as a thigh strain picked up in September delayed a comeback from a summer operation. His appearances the previous season were not that spectacular in terms of numbers as he only made 14 appearances, five of which came after Jefferies replaced Csaba Laszlo as manager at Tynecastle. The club's medical staff are planning for a cautious return for Driver which will be frustrating for the player. The medics want him to be fully rehabilitated before considering a return to first-team football. Driver travelled to Hertfordshire in late October to undergo cryotherapy on his injured thigh, a procedure which uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy damaged tissue. His running programme has gone smoothly and he is now ready to increase his workload. |