HEARTS are hoping the postponement of their Boxing Day visit to Rugby Park will allow defender Ismael Bouzid to recover from a back complaint and face St Mirren tomorrow evening.

The Algerian internationalist was rated doubtful for the match against Kilmarnock having been withdrawn with the injury after 19 minutes against Inverness the previous weekend. With the game in Ayrshire postponed due to frozen pipes, coaching staff are hopeful an extra three days will ensure Bouzid makes the trip to Paisley.

The 27-year-old has developed into a key player alongside Marius Zaliukas in central defence this season and his absence would force manager Jim Jefferies to reorganise his starting XI, with Adrian Mrowiec the most likely deputy to fill any central defensive void.

Midfielder Rudi Skacel is also causing concern ahead of tomorrow's match due to a calf problem which could also render him doubtful for Saturday's Edinburgh derby against Hibs.

"He has an injury but he wanted to see the doctor first," said Jochen Kientz, Skacel's agent. "I hope it's not so bad because Rudi is a big player for Hearts. He is a very professional player and even if he is injured just now he will come back quickly. He is very rarely injured."