Robbie Neilson has no fitness concerns over Steven Naismith and Andy Halliday and left them out of the squad for last night’s 3-1 win over Raith Rovers as a precaution.
Naismith was withdrawn at half-time of the weekend win over Cowdenbeath with a slight back issue caused by playing on astro.
Halliday wasn’t in the squad due to a tight thigh.
Neilson had said both would be involved against Raith, but decided not to take any risks with the pair to ensure they are available for Hearts ' Championship season opener against Dundee at Tynecastle.
“Naisy was desperate to play but we just thought we’d hold off with him to make sure he was alright for Friday,” he said.
“Andy’s still building himself up, so has to make sure he was kept out last night so that he can get some minutes on Friday.”
Neilson was also pleased to increase the Betfred Cup goal tally ahead of the league action starting.
The Jambos are top of Group A with just one match against second placed East Fife left to play.
“These Betfred games come that quick that you just want to get points on the board.
‘So to get nine points out of nine is good. We’ve some goals - that’s now five for and one against and we’re sitting top of the group.
“We spoke about it when I first came in, getting that winning mentality. We managed to do that in the first two games and we made a number of changes last night from Saturday and still won it.
“It’s important that we have that - whoever comes on the Tynecastle pitch here is a winner.”
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