Heart of Midlothian head coach Steven Naismith has issued caution over the return of both Craig Gordon and Craig Halkett, the pair having not played competitively since Christmas Eve when they sustained season-ending injuries in a draw at Dundee United.

Fans had hoped to see the duo back in action this month and it wasn't ruled out by Naismith with both featuring in an internal 11 v 11 last week and set to play again this week. The Hearts boss, however, provided a more reserved timeline of after the winter break.

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"It was really good for them and that's what their next month kind of looks like," Naismith said. "That's the period we're in, it's been good for them. They'll be looking back at the next couple of weeks and gone 'I've progressed, it's been intense and it's hard work - now we need that for the next month'.

"They could be ready [in a month's time]. Every week that passes and the more game-time they get, it's minimising that risk of anything going wrong. But it's not just 'they were out with a knee injury or leg break that's the problem', it's every other muscle, because they've not done anything for six months out on the pitch. I've experienced it myself. One wrong move when you're pushing your limits sets you back two or three weeks. That's why we are in that period.

"Being more reserved about it, the winter break is when they'll be back in contention."

Neither are able to feature for the B team to get game time before their first-team return due to the rules. It is a frustration for Naismith but more so for Aidan Denholm.

"Some of those rules need to be checked up and changed because it does hamper, not so much them, but Aidan Denholm, for instance, because he's played X amount of games in the first team, he can't play for the B team, which is a bad rule if we are trying to develop players," he said.

"Don't get me wrong, overall Lowland League has been excellent for us as a club, but as the partnership grows and develops, we need to tweak things and get things better - for everybody."

Meanwhile, Barrie McKay and Nathaniel Atkinson are continuing to progress with both making a step forward.

"Baz has been out jogging and Natty Atkinson as well, both of them have been out on the grass last week but it's still very early on for them," Naismith said.

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