Dumbarton V Hearts at Strathclyde Homes Stadium : Match Preview

12 September 2014 01:01
Dumbarton V Hearts - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Murray missing for Sons

Dumbarton will be without midfielder Hugh Murray when Hearts make their first ever league visit to the Bet Butler Stadium.

The former St Mirren and Partick Thistle man picked up a calf strain and will not feature for the Sons.

Mark McLaughlin is fit again, but a lack of recent game time will see him miss out against the league leaders.

Manager Ian Murray said: "It is good to go into this game with increased confidence following our win over Livingston.

"Hearts are flying and have added players to their pool, however just like our disappointing run ended, their good run will come to an end as well.

"Hopefully that will happen in this game."

Spanish midfielder Miguel Pallardo could make his Hearts debut after joining the club on Thursday.

The former Valencia player is short of match fitness but could be involved as Prince Buaben is suspended.

Neil Alexander is back following a broken cheekbone but fellow goalkeeper Scott Gallacher (ankle) remains out.

Callum Paterson is close to a return after knee surgery but will not be risked, while everyone else is fit.

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson is looking forward to facing former Hibernian skipper Murray, who now manages the Sons.

Neilson said: "He's done fantastically well. We were captains playing against each other but I get on really well with Ian.

"I did a lot of my licences with him down at Largs and stayed in the same hotel and spent a lot of time together. He's a really good coach and manager."


Source: PA