New/old Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has major injury problems ahead of tonight's Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final against St Mirren at Fir Park. There is a chance that Lee Wallace (hip) could return, while Andrew Driver should be able to be involved provided he has no reaction to his knee injury after Saturday's game against St Johnstone. Howver, Jeffries knows that Marius Zaliukas (hamstring) is doubtful and Ruben Palazuelos, Scott Robinson (both knee) and Ian Black (back) will all be missing again.  These can be added to the sidelined list which includes David Templeton (foot), Calum Elliot, Craig Thomson, Johnny Stewart, (all knee), Laryea Kingston (hamstring), Arvydas Novikovas and Jamie MacDonald (both ankle).

Jefferies, who is back in charge of the side he took to Scottish Cup glory in 1998, was on hand to see his patched-up side lose at McDiarmid Park. But he will have no hesitation in calling on the club's group of youngsters if required. Jefferies added: "I think there is a good crop here, maybe a little bit less experienced than the ones I brought through last time. But the club has a great name for pushing youngsters through and as time goes on I'll be trying to make sure that tradition is kept. If we can get a win it will make the next few days a lot more enjoyable, as I can get a bit of time to do things."

St Mirren could include loan signings Rory Loy and Graham Carey in their squad as both are eligible as they have not played or been named as substitutes during the rounds so far. Manager Gus MacPherson may also be able to name Jack Ross who had staples applied to a head wound during Saturday's loss to Hibs. Honours have been even between the clubs this season with St Mirren's 2-1 win over Hearts in October securing their first three points at their new stadium. Hearts needed a Michael Stewart penalty to beat St Mirren at Tynecastle last month and Lee Mair is optimistic about the Buddies' chances of reaching a first national final since 1987.  He said: "First of all when you get to a semi-final you look to avoid the Old Firm and we have managed to do that. So we feel we have a chance. I don't think there is much between us and Hearts as the two league games have shown. They have both been tight, we won here and they won at their home ground."