HEARTS goalkeeper Joel Pereira is set to start Sunday’s crunch Edinburgh derby against Hibernian after the on-loan Manchester United stopper resumed training.
Pereira, 23, suffered a thigh strain during the Jambos’ 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park on August 25 and was sent back to Old Trafford for treatment.
He was sidelined for the recent flops at home to Hamilton and Motherwell, with Ireland international Colin Doyle filling in.
However, the Portuguese youngster arrived back in Edinburgh on Tuesday after being given the all-clear by the United medical staff.
Pereira, who made two appearances for the Jambos prior to his injury set-back, took part in full training at Hearts’ Riccarton base on Wednesday morning and is expected to line up between the sticks at Easter Road.
As expected, experienced duo Michael Smith and Steven Naismith have also trained this week and will face the Hibees.
BOBBY BURNS BUOYED BY NEWCASTLE JETS SWITCH
Meanwhile, Tynecastle full-back Bobby Burns reckons a ‘life-changing’ loan move to Australian outfit Newcastle Jets can help him realise his Northern Ireland dream.
Burns, 19, enjoyed 10 outings for the Jambos last season after joining the club from Glenavon and also enjoyed a brief loan stint with Livingston.
However, the talented teen has found first-team opportunities limited this term.
With Aidy White and Aaron Hickey ahead of him in the pecking order at left-back and Ben Garuccio slated for a return from injury in November, Burns will spend the rest of the 2019/20 campaign Down Under in search of regular game-time.
Burns said: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Newcastle Jets. It’s a life-changing opportunity I couldn’t turn down.
“To have the chance to push for consistent senior football at my age is an exciting one.
“I have ambitions to kick on from under-21 duties and play in the senior Northern Ireland team, and I believe playing for Newcastle will help me do that.”
