Robbie Neilson believes Hearts' Scottish Cup derby with Hibernian provides the perfect incentive for Jamie Walker to return to fitness and the Tynecastle first-team.

The 22-year-old has returned to light training and is set to be back in action towards the end of the month, weeks before the cup clash on February 6 or 7.

Winger Walker has been out of action since the end of October after knee surgery and Neilson expects every member of his squad to be desperate for a place in the starting eleven.

He said: "We've had Jamie Walker out for a wee priod now but this is a huge incentive to get himself fit again and back in the team.

"For the other guys it's a case of trying to stay in the team or try to get into the team."

Neilson admitted being paired with their city rivals was the talk of Riccarton this morning and he is looking forward to another sell-out in Gorgie after knocking out Aberdeen in the last round.

In last season's Scottish Championship Hearts gained one win and two draws against Alan Stubbs' men before the Easter Road side won the final meeting of the campaign.

Despite that result the Hearts coach doesn't believe Hibs hold the bragging rights in the capital.

He said: "I don't think the bragging rights are there. The bragging rights were we got promoted, which was the objective at the start of the season.

"There's been quite a change around in our team, a few players moving on and a few players coming in.

It's going to be a new experience for these guys and they'll understand how big a game it is and how important it is for the club. It's a great draw, I'm really pleased with it."