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Hearts have been handed a boost with the news that injured goalkeeper Mark Ridgers does not require surgery.

Ridgers had been stretchered off during Scotland's 1-0 defeat by Belgium in the Under-21 friendly on 14 August.

However, the 22-year-old's knee injury is less severe than first thought and he now faces around three months out.

"It's a bonus for the lad that he doesn't require any surgery," manager John McGlynn told the Edinburgh club's website.

"It's a bad enough injury without the need for an operation.

"Hopefully his recovery goes well and to the timescale set by the experts."

McGlynn signed former St Johnstone keeper Peter Enckelman as cover, and the Finn has been granted permission to be involved in Thursday's Europa League play-off tie against Liverpool.

Hearts had feared that Enckelman, who has agreed a deal until January, had been registered too late to be involved.

"I'm always ready to step in. One of the good things about being slightly older is you've got the experience behind you which comes into play in these situations," said Enckelman.