Beni Baningime has been left out of the squad for Heart of Midlothian's Premiership clash with Ross County.

The midfielder went down late on in the 1-0 win over Hibs, receiving treatment moments before Lawrence Shankland's winning goal.

Hearts head coach Steven Naismith, speaking to HeartsTV, confirmed Baningime has been rested for the match against the Staggies.

"Beni as well, over the last month, has had a grueling schedule himself, the amount of work he has gone through," he said. "Obviously with him coming back from what has been a serious injury we need to make sure that he's fine and in a good place.

"We've left him out because he is very fatigued. We don't want to risk him breaking down to be honest. He misses out."

Baningime has started the last 11 games, playing the full 90 minutes in the previous nine in the league.

Barrie McKay also misses out and won't be involved before the winter break. He limped off after the Hibs match and has an issue with his knee. It is not thought to be as serious as his injury earlier in the campaign which saw him miss three months.

Meanwhile, Finlay Pollock has returned to the match-day squad. It is his first involvement with the first-team squad since the 3-0 win over Hibs in the Premiership nearly a year ago.