Striker blow for Hearts after Dale Carrick op

The 18-year-old had been playing with the injury this season but medical staff advised him to have an operation which will sideline him for between four and six weeks.

Carrick made his senior debut in Hearts’ 2-0 win over St Johnstone on the opening day of the Scottish Premier League season and is regarded as a bright prospect after emerging from the club’s youth academy. Manager John McGlynn is 
disappointed to lose the youngster but admitted surgery was necessary to cure the hernia problem.

“It was an ongoing thing and we knew he was having trouble with it,” said McGlynn. “He went to see a specialist after being away with Scotland Under-21s in Marbella and the consultant recommended an operation straight away. He had that on Tuesday and he’ll be back around mid-December.

“It was something Dale simply needed to have done but it wasn’t a total surprise for us. We knew he had this problem. Sometimes you can play for a wee while with a hernia and get by but we felt it was better he went in to get it done.”

McGlynn is eager to see a big crowd attend tomorrow’s match with Ross County at Tynecastle, at which every supporter will be given a brochure detailing Hearts’ new share issue. The club are hoping to raise £1.79million with the 
initiative.

“The best way to create funds for the club is to get along to home matches. More people coming through the turnstiles is in the best interests of everyone,” said McGlynn.