BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
HEARTS face a nervous wait to discover whether Jambos talisman Callum Paterson is destined for a lengthy absence through injury.
The Scotland full-back was substituted just 15 minutes into the Jambos’ 4-0 rout of Kilmarnock – having already given his side the lead – following a collision with Killie striker Nathan Tyson.
Early signs suggest Paterson, who has suffered ligament damage in the past, may have suffered another knee injury which could see him sidelined for a considerable period, potentially scuppering a seven-figure switch in January.
It was the only negative to a superb evening for the Tynecastle men, with Cathro registering his first win since taking the helm thanks to goals from Paterson, Arnaud Djoum and a Jamie Walker brace.
“Callum? We don’t know for sure yet,” said Cathro. “It’s an awkward one and, at the time, there was some concern. Until we get to Wednesday and we do the tests that need done, we just don’t know. We hope things are as good as they can be.
“Everyone is worried for him, but sometimes these things are not what you expect or fear. It wasn’t a nice moment, obviously. But the only thing we can do with certainty is give it time and allow everyone to do what is needed.”
As well as scoring four goals to claim the first win of his reign, Hearts hit the post and saw a Dario Zanatta saved by Jamie MacDonald. And Cathro insists the display was indicative of the progress being made.
“It’s a very similar message from me. We’ve got to keep working and improving,” continued Cathro. “But it was important for players to have their moment, feel good, feel strong, manage the game and stay on top. They deserve to feel good.
“Every day, we’re getting more comfortable with our work and the situations we were in.”
