Defensive consistency the key for Robbie

Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley both returned to competitive action against Killie, but now Kye, who is fresh from his World Cup exploits with Australia, will return for Saturday’s trip to Tannadice.

“Kye is back. He was available to train last week, but with the suspension he could not play, so it is great to get him back in the team,” Neilson said.

“It is really important to have your best players available. There is no doubting that those three are our main centre backs. It is great to get them back and now it is just about getting them up to speed.”

While Hearts already have a game under their belts, Dundee United’s match with Livingston last weekend was postponed due to a frozen pitch and while that could result in the Arabs being slightly rusty come 2PM on Saturday, Neilson is only focussing on Hearts.

“We just need to concentrate on ourselves,” he added.

“We have had a good week’s training after last week’s result, so it is just about going up there and trying to win the game.

“I was pleased with the Kilmarnock performance. I think after being off for five weeks and having a number of players who were just coming back from injury to put in a performance like that and get the three points was pleasing.”

Neilson also provided a positive update on Stephen Humphrys who has missed the last two months with an ankle injury.

“It is gradual with Stephen,” Neilson explained. “He has had that a couple of times now where he has come back and trained with us and then he has broken down. So, we are just taking our time with him now to make sure this is the time he comes back.”