Steven Naismith has revealed that his Heart of Midlothian squad is approaching a return to full fitness after the recent international break.

Hearts return to action on Saturday as they welcome Craig Levein's St Johnstone side to Tynecastle Park, kicking off a hectic festive period for the men in maroon.

With the games coming thick and fast, Naismith knows he will have to rely on his full squad to get through the busy fixture list - and the former Scotland internationalist is not far away from having a full complement of players to choose from.

Long-term absentees Craig Gordon and Craig Halkett are closing in on their returns to the first team, while Hearts have also been boosted by Barrie McKay and Nathaniel Atkinson, both of whom are making good progress in their recovery.

"The last few weeks have been good," Naismith told Hearts TV. "I think every long-term injury is now back on the grass and involved in some aspect of training.

"Barrie McKay and Natty Atkinson have been involved this week in training, so in the coming weeks they will look to come back into the main group. There will then be a period of sustaining that level before we push for games.

"Craig Halkett and Craig Gordon are really close to being back involved with squads, which is another positive for us.

"I think that’s where we are at with the injuries."

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