Miko's season could be over after he takes flight home

SAULIUS MIKOLIUNAS could miss the remaining two games of Hearts' season after returning to Lithuania for the birth of his child.

The winger has flown to eastern Europe to be with his wife, who is due to give birth any day, and will not feature against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

The date of the baby's arrival will determine whether he can return in time to face Gretna at Fir Park next Tuesday.

Mikoliunas sustained a minor injury at Falkirk on Monday night which would have rendered him doubtful for this weekend in any case.

But Hearts had already given him permission to return to his homeland.

"He has a slight knock but with his baby due he's gone back to Lithuania," said interim manager Stephen Frail.

"He was always going home and we wish him and his family all the best.

"We decided that, with Miko having the knock, he possibly won't make Tuesday anyway so it makes sense to send him home to be with his wife."

Young striker Gary Glen remains touch and go ahead of the weekend having incurred a calf strain against Falkirk.

"It was a knock on his calf so he is a slight doubt, although we'll give him until the last minute to be ready," said Frail.

"The physio has taken a look at him and the good news is that it's not as bad as first feared.

"It's still a bit early as far as Saturday's game is concerned but he should have a chance of making it which is good given his form recently."

Calum Elliot is also hopeful of shrugging off a back complaint picked up against Falkirk, although Ruben Palazuelos' booking in that match will see him miss the opening match of next season after he broke the SFA's disciplinary points threshold.

Frail, meantime, has told his squad that he will not accept second best again against Kilmarnock.

He stressed that Falkirk showed more hunger during their 2-1 victory on Monday and, with just two games remaining before the curtain falls on a disappointing campaign, he wants to see Hearts end the season on a high note.

He said: "I'm looking for a big improvement from the players on Saturday.

"Falkirk had more desire to win the match on Monday and that was disappointing and something we will have to address at the weekend."

Frail will use Hearts' two remaining league matches and Robbie Neilson's testimonial on Sunday to give certain fringe and younger players some vital game time at first-team level.

"It's a good opportunity with us having two games this weekend.

"The ones who we think are good enough and capable of making an impact with the first team will get a chance.

"It's important we put these players in at the right time.

"On Tuesday we have Gretna, which is our last game of the season, so that gives us a few possibilities over the next few days to try out some players."