Welcome selection headache for Hearts boss as players return to fitness

Gordon Smith is back in contention for Hearts after spending time in hospital© SNS Group

Hearts boss John McGlynn is delighted to have a clean bill of health in his squad for the first time in pre-season.

McGlynn’s side travels south to face Rotherham United on Saturday with illness-hit duo Darren Barr and Gordon Smith back in contention to force their way into the manager’s plans.

Barr, who netted the opening goal at Hampden in Heart’s Scottish Cup victory in May, had been laid low with a virus, while striker Smith had to spend time in hospital receiving treatment for tonsillitis.

In an interview with the Edinburgh Evening News, McGlynn said the players’ availability gave him a welcome selection problem ahead of the big kick off.

The former Raith Rovers boss said: “We’re delighted that we don’t have any injuries. That gives us a selection problem, but that’s nice to have.”

McGlynn, who watched Rotherham take on Doncaster Rovers during the week, said he wants a sterner test for his men in Yorkshire.

He added: “They have the option to go with two big strikers or one big and one small. They can play the ball into the box at any opportunity.

“This is a good opportunity to go and test ourselves against different opposition.”

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