Bednar 'better than expected'

Hearts manager George Burley revealed injured striker Roman Bednar is ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery, but the Gorgie boss was reluctant to pencil in the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian later in the month as his return date.

The Czech striker, a popular figure amongst the Tynecastle supporters after three goals in his first eight matches, was taken off shortly after scoring against Rangers in the Bank of Scotland Premier League at the end of September.