Laryea Kingston could be back for Hearts' clash with Rangers in the first game following the Clydesdale Bank Premier League split after stepping up his recovery on Tuesday.

The Ghanaian international has been out since picking up a hamstring injury against St Mirren in February, but is set to return to action early next month after a successful course of treatment in Germany with top doctor Hans Muller-Wolfhart.

The Gorgie midfielder recently returned from a final session with the Munich specialist and began some ball work at training as part of his progressive recovery programme.

He should be back in the squad when the Jambos travel to Ibrox on May 3 before facing Hibs at Tynecastle four days later.

Hearts are gunning for a Europa League spot and sit third in the SPL, five points ahead of Dundee United, and six points ahead of Aberdeen with five games remaining.

Tynecastle manager Csaba Laszlo will welcome the return of Kingston for what promises to be a tense run-in.

"Larry is a fantastic football player when he is fit and his presence can really lift the team," said Laszlo.

"We need him fit and ready for the last five games of the season. It is a very important time for us.

"A lot will depend on his levels of fitness because he has been out for quite a long time.

"Obviously it would be a huge boost for us if he was fit and able to play in the last five games. We need our strongest possible side available because we have some very difficult matches ahead of us.

"It is important that we win as many as possible, all five if we can. Why not?

"We know that it is going to be difficult. We must stay positive.

"We know that it won't be easy but we have a good team."