BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
HEARTS star Arnaud Djoum has made his long-awaited return to training following six gruelling months on the sidelines.
The Cameroon international has been absent since suffering a devastating snapped achilles tendon during a 1-1 draw against Ross County in February.
The initial prognosis suggested the 28-year-old would face eight months out, however Djoum has made a rapid recovery and took part in his first full session at Hearts’ Riccarton base yesterday [Wednesday].
Hearts’ Premiership opener against Hamilton on Saturday may come too quickly for Djoum, nevertheless his impending availability is a major boost for boss Craig Levein.
Djoum’s comeback will add to a plethora of central-midfield options, including precocious duo Harry Cochrane and Anthony McDonald and new signings Olly Lee, Oliver Bozanic and Ryan Edwards.
In light of the logjam of talent, Don Cowie, Malaury Martin and Ross Callachan have all been informed they are free to find new clubs.
Meanwhile, Hearts starlet Callumn Morrison is adamant he will not give up his first-team place without a fight after emerging as an unlikely Betfred Cup hero for the Jambos.
The 19-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Stirling Albion and Brechin City, was a stand-out performer in successive 5-0 wins over Cowdenbeath and Inverness at Tynecastle – garnering praise from Levein for his tireless work ethic and deadly delivery.
Morrison had only played 60 minutes of senior football for Hearts prior to this season, however he is now in the box-seat to start at right wing-back against Accies at New Douglas Park.
“It’s been a great start to the season,” Morrison told Hearts TV. “The gaffer [Levein] has given me a chance and I think I’ve done well. I just need to keep it up and kick on.
“I didn’t expect to start against Inverness at the weekend because it was such a big game but the gaffer trusted me, which is a real positive. And with ten goals at home in the last two games – clean sheets as well – we’re doing something right!
“All I can do is keep putting in the hard work and, when Saturday comes, I’m hopefully playing. I want to be playing week in, week out.”
