It’s been a long old season of spectating for Graham Dorrans.
The 31-year-old midfielder missed the early part of the campaign, with a minor problem. He returned in late September but lasted less than a week.
Over that time, he turned out in three consecutive fixtures against Villarreal, St Johnstone, and Ayr United before being struck down again.
This time it was serious and knee surgery was required.
Ever since, he’s been sitting on the sidelines, going through rehab and working his way back to fitness.
Finally, after missing over 40 matches, in all competitions, there are signs that he’s ready to return.
The Scotland international returned to light training shortly after the winter break, only to suffer a setback. This second attempt at a comeback appears to be going rather better, though.
Since initially being spied at the beginning of the month, he’s got through several weeks unscathed and could be seen once again in the club’s latest official training gallery released on Friday afternoon.
Furthermore, his manager, Steven Gerrard, declared a clean bill of health in advance of the game.
There’s certainly no chance of him coming straight into the starting XI at Tynecastle. After his injury-plagued time at Ibrox, the club are unlikely to rush him back too soon.
Yet, you would think Stevie G will be keen to give him some opportunities over the coming weeks.
He’s had little time to prove his worth to the Gers boss and his future remains uncertain. Even if the manager intends to offload him in the summer, though, it would no doubt be useful to show potential suitors that he can get through 90 minutes.
Whether his return is the start of better times or a farewell, it looks very much on the cards over the coming weeks.
