Hearts have been handed a major boost for their Europa Conference League clash with RFS as Craig Halkett returns.
The stopper is a massive player for the Jambos and they've missed his presence in the backline since he was forced off after just seven minutes in the Europa League play-off clash with FC Zurich in Switzerland. His absence has been majorly felt heading into this showdown with the Gorige side on a poor run of form but they will have a kick in their step after the good news.
Summer signing Jorge Grant is also back in the fold after serving a suspension on matchday one against Istanbul Basaksehir. His return coupled up with Halkett gives boss Robbie Neilson more options as he looks to get off the mark in Europe. Opponents RFS - who are the group fourth seeds - kicked off their campaign with a stunning 1-1 draw in Florence against Fiorentina.
READ MORE: Hearts star Craig Halkett on Europa Conference League lesson as he targets points in Riga
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For Hearts, it was a heavy 4-0 defeat to Turkish top seeds Basaksehir last week at Tynecastle. They've got another five games minimum at this level starting with tonight's showdown in Riga.
Skipper and Scotland No1 Craig Gordon starts in goal with key man Stephen Kingsley also in from the start.
Barry McKay, Josh Ginnelly and Lawrence Shankland make up a front three.
Hearts XI: Gordon, Halkett, Kingsley, Cochrane, Halliday, Grant, Devlin, Smith, McKay, Ginnelly, Shakland
Subs: Stewart, Clark, Haring, Mackay-Steven, Atkinson, Forrest, Neilson, Sibbick, Henderson, Smith, Humphrys
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