Livingston striker Lee Miller has been telling BBC Scotland about returning after 17 weeks - and how the side have flourished in the top flight.

"I trained for the first time yesterday with the squad," the veteran says. "I've been doing my rehab and feel very strong.

"I partially tore my PCL, so it was a long slog. I trained once yesterday, so hopefully be back in contention for next weekend.

"It's really hard - I want to just be out there helping the players.

"You see us flourishing in the top flight and it's no fluke - we work hard and everybody buys into it, on and off the pitch."

Hearts have only just got Christophe Berra back but are still waiting on the return of fellow Scotland centre-half John Souttar and Jimmy Dunne has returned to parent club Burnley because of injury.

Now it looks like they will have to do without Clevid Dikimona for a while.

The 28-year-old Congo international, who signed for a year after leaving Israeli club Bnei Sakhnin, has taken his chance to impress in the absence of others and manager Craig Levein will be keen not to lose him for a prolonged spell.

Image source, SNS

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland at Tony Macaroni Arena

A fascinating contest with the Livingston players showing absolutely no evidence of fatigue in what is their fifth match in 13 days.

Shaun Byrne, Scott Pittman and Keaghan Jacobs are showing great energy and skill in midfield, with the visitors defence coming under constant pressure.

Hearts manager Craig Levein has already had to make one switch thanks to the injury to Clevid Dikimona, but it would be no surprise if he tweaks the formation in the second period to try to bring more stability in the key areas of the pitch.

The value of a good goalkeeper cannot be underestimated and, in Bobby Zlamal, it looks as if the Tynecastle club have uncovered another gem.

Peter Houston
Former Scotland assistant manager on BBC Sportsound

It is hard to believe that these two sides have now played 135 minutes against one another this season without scoring.

The 0-0 draw at Tynecastle in September had plenty of goalmouth action and it's been the same again tonight.

Both sides have had efforts bounce clear after hitting the inside of the post, while Hearts' Michael Smith has cleared off the line and Zdenek Zlamal has been defiant in goal.

Indeed, Livingston are showing why they have the second best home form in the Premiership this season and will wonder why they are not winning having had the better of chances.

Image source, SNS

Scott McDonald
Former Celtic striker on BBC Sportsound

Hearts are caught on the counter-attack and Steven Lawless curls a drive from the edge of the penalty area just wide of the far post with goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal struggling.

Peter Houston
Former Scotland assistant manager on BBC Sportsound

Ryan Hardie fires a low cross in front of Hearts' goal and Zdenek Zlamal has to use his knees to clear on the line from Scott Pittman's close-range effort.

The ball is fired back into the visitors' penalty box and Dolly Menga volleys just over the crossbar from an acute angle.

Livi are ramping up the pressure.

Livi are so close to the lead as Ryan Hardie pounces on a weak punch from Zdenek Zlamal.

The striker's first attempt is block, but he prods the rebound towards goal and Michael Smith clears from in front of his own goal.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland at Tony Macaroni Arena

After the first quarter, Livi boss Gary Holt will just about be the happier of the two managers.

The link-up play between Shaun Byrne, Scott Pittman and Keaghan Jacobs has been terrific to watch.

The loss of centre-back Clevid Dikimona with what appears to be a serious injury is another huge blow for Hearts.

Aaron Hughes has not featured for the club since coming on as a substitute in the game against Aberdeen on 20 October.

Image source, SNS

Scott McDonald
Former Celtic striker on BBC Sportsound

Liam Kelly puts himself and his team in trouble as he makes a hash of a punch clear.

Demetri Mitchell sets up Ben Garussio 20 yards out, but the Australian defender lashes his shot well over and the goalkeeper breaths a sigh of relief.

Could Aaron Hickey feature tonight for Hearts? The Tynecastle club have built a reputation for blooding teenagers early and the 16-year-old is on the bench for Craig Levein's side. Hickey only signed professional terms with the club in summer.

Image source, SNS

Scott McDonald
Former Celtic striker on BBC Sportsound

Postpublished at 28mins

28mins

Livingston 0-0 Heart of Midlothian

Yet another injury for Hearts, but this time Demetri Mitchell should recover from a thump of the ball into his face as Keaghan Jacobs clears.

Hearts have Zdenek Zlamal to thank for staying level as the Czech goalkeeper makes a superb instinctive save to claw away a Craig Halkett effort off the line.

Declan Gallagher's flick across the face of goal from a long throw gave his fellow central defender the chance to prod towards goal from a couple of yards out.

It looked a certain goal until Zlamal's heroics.

Dikamona off, Hughes onpublished at 22mins

22mins

Livingston 0-0 Heart of Midlothian

Yet another injury blow for Hearts as Clevid Dikamona pulls up holding his hamstring as he gives chase to Dolly Menga.

Veteran Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes is his replacement.

Craig Halkett isn't just a competitive centre-half who belies his lack of height.

Oliver Bozanic pulls down the ever-lively Scott Pittman 22 yards from goal and Halkett curls a drive just wide of the post.

Livi goalkeeper Liam Kelly has to be quick off his line to beat Callumn Morrison to the ball inside the penalty box after a bit of hesitation from his central defence.

He has to punch it off the winger's toes before gathering at the second attempt.