HEARTS star Michael Smith is targeting the Jambos’ Scottish Cup semi-final against Inverness for his long-awaited return from injury.
The 30-year-old has not featured since suffering a torn muscle and damaged tendon in his thigh during the capital club’s 4-0 triumph over Auchinleck Talbot on February 10.
Boss Craig Levein initially feared that Smith could be ruled out for up to 12 weeks due to the complaints, which would have left the Northern Ireland internationalist in a race against time to play any part in the remainder of the campaign.
That estimate was quickly reduced to around two months on the treatment table and Hearts have been subsequently delighted with the progress being made by the player during his rehabilitation.
Smith was back on the grass last Thursday carrying out a light running session with physio Craig Maitland as he continues to build his fitness at Hearts’ Oriam training base.
The Tynecastle medical staff will avoid any temptation to rush the player being to action but, barring any roadblocks in his recovery, it is understood that the Hampden showdown against the Caley Jags on April 13 is now privately seen as a realistic target.
Smith’s eventual comeback will be a massive boost for Hearts given his consistency and versatility. The Jambos are currently reliant on relative rookies Marcus Godinho and Jamie Brandon at right-back in his absence.
He can also fill in at left-back where a serious injury to Demi Mitchell has left Levein with the similarly inexperienced duo of Ben Garuccio and Bobby Burns to call upon, albeit he has occasionally fielded winger Jake Mulraney in a more defensive role.
Smith, a signing from Peterborough United in the summer of 2017, was rewarded for his excellent form in January when he penned a new contract until May 2021.
Speaking at the time, Levein stated: “Michael’s performances this season speak for themselves. He’s been playing to a very high level week in, week out. I believe he has improved as a player since joining the club.”
