Hearts boss may pair up Obua with Kyle in attack

JIM JEFFERIES is considering using an imposing two-man attack of Kevin Kyle and David Obua this season, although he stressed today that every member of his first-team squad will have an opportunity to impress during pre-season.

Obua was shunted into the Hearts forward line following Jefferies' return as manager late last season, and the Ugandan responded with some inspiring performances allied to a winning goal at Easter Road.

Kyle signed a two-year deal to rejoin Jefferies after leaving Kilmarnock on freedom of contract and is certain to lead the new-look attack. Calum Elliot, Gary Glen, Scott Robinson and Gordon Smith are all in contention to partner the Scotland striker, but Jefferies is pondering the effect of an Obua-Kyle pairing.

"I'm not looking for anything specific. It doesn't matter what their size is, it's what type of players they are," he said. "Kevin gives us a physical presence up front with Christian Nade being away. David Obua isn't as strong as Kevin but he's more mobile. He hasn't shown he's a prolific goalscorer but he's popped up with one or two strikes and he has laid on a good number of chances. Maybe he'll lay them on for Kevin to take.

"We changed Obua's position last season and he did a decent job for us. I think a lot of people were pleasantly surprised because he seemed to contribute more to the team in that area. He can play in a number of positions, which is good.

"Nobody is guaranteed to play. We might look to bring in another striker as well, so there's competition for places in there. We have Robinson and Glen who know they have work to do. Calum Elliot is more experienced than them but he's had one or two setbacks with injury and I'm hoping he has a clear run this year."