| Jim Jefferies hopes to hand a debut to new striker Stephen Elliott in today's league curtain-raiser against St Johnstone. The former Preston marksman is set to be included in the squad and could feature alongside fellow summer recruit Kevin Kyle, who has recovered from groin surgery. Hearts are without suspended trio Eggert Jonsson, Ismael Bouzid and Ryan Stevenson, while David Obua (groin), Andy Driver (knee) and Gary Glen (hamstring) will be sitting on the sidelines. Meanwhile, St Johnstone have doubts over three key defenders. Kevin Rutkiewicz (calf), Dave Mackay (back) and Michael Duberry (groin) will have late fitness tests. Long-term injured Martin Hardie, Peter MacDonald and Kevin Moon are out until September at least. Saints' manager, Derek McInnes described the trip to Tynecastle as the "perfect'' start to the season despite the Perth club's poor opening-day record in the top flight. This will be the Saints' 13th Premier League campaign since league reconstruction in 1975 and the club's official website revealed this week that the Perth men have won only once in their previous 12 starts, against Dundee United in their first Premier League match 35 years ago. However, the St Johnstone manager is unconcerned about the record books and looking forward to taking his side to what he believes to be one of the most atmospherical grounds in Scotland. McInnes said: "I wasn't aware of that statistic until someone told me on Thursday but it doesn't affect me. It has nothing to do with the current squad other than last season when we drew 2-2 with Motherwell at McDiarmid Park. We will just be looking to get off to a good start and this is the perfect game to start the season. I love Tynecastle and loved going there as a player. It is a stadium which generates great enthusiasm and the atmosphere makes every game like a cup-tie. We will take a good support down there with us but it will be a difficult game. They have a manager in place in Jim Jefferies who has a great affection for the club and he has made some good signings. Stephen Elliott has a good pedigree and if he teams up with Kevin Kyle then that could be a strong combination.'' |