Calem Nieuwenhof is hopeful of being involved in Heart of Midlothian's clash against Kilmarnock - but he is unlikely to start the game.

The Australian midfielder has missed the last two matches following a hamstring injury picked up in the win over Celtic at Tynecastle Park. The 23-year-old was replaced towards the end of the 2-0 having provided the assist for the second goal scored by Lawrence Shankland. He was absent for the Scottish Cup win over Greenock Morton and the loss to Ross County in the Premiership.

READ MORE: The inside track on Calem Nieuwenhof's Hearts renaissance

Nieuwenhof, who was chosen as the club's Hearts Standard Player of the Month for February, returned to training over the international break but the Killie game could come too soon for him to return to the starting line-up.

"It’s a grade two hamstring but it’s progressing really well," he said. "I’ve started training again with the team so potentially looking to be on the bench this weekend but if not the following week.

"I think I was lucky in terms of the timing that I didn’t miss too many games, obviously we had the cup game and one league match. It’s just about getting back on the pitch as soon as possible which I’m really looking forward to."

Nieuwenhof's injury meant he missed a potential call-up for Australia's World Cup qualifying matches against Lebanon.