Hearts are hopeful of having David Templeton back for their Scottish Cup semi-final with Celtic next week.

The winger has been absent through injury since mid-February, having last played against Motherwell.

Templeton is yet to return to training but is expected to be reunited with his team-mates after this weekend’s SPL match with Dunfermline Athletic.

If he reacts positively, coach Gary Locke says the 23-year-old could return to action at Hampden.

"He has had a serious problem with a stomach/groin but he trained for a good four or five weeks with the physios," said Locke.

"The story is he will probably start training on Monday and hopefully put himself in contention for the cup game. I think it is a possibility [he will make the Celtic game].

"He is a fit lad, there is not a lot of fat about him and if he gets a good week's training then I am sure he will come into contention."

Templeton has made 31 appearances for Paulo Sergio's side this season, finding the net against Dunfermline Athletic and St Johnstone.