Hearts star Kevin Kyle today spoke of his optimism of returning to football after recent surgery.

The towering front man hasn't played for over a year due to a recurring hip injury but after his latest operation in Coventry, the striker is more confident than ever that he will be able to pull on his shooting boots again.

Kevin went under the knife last week but is already feeling the benefit, as he explained to Hearts News today.

"I'm very optimistic and can feel a difference straight away," he said.

"I'm quite excited about the future but am not going to rush things. I have a 12-week rehab plan and I'll see where I am and how I am feeling after that. But I'm not going to put any time frame on anything.

"I know this is my last chance so I want to make sure I get things right and get back training when I'm ready."

The Jambos booked their place in the quarter-finals of the William Hill Scottish Cup thanks to last night's extra-time victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, Marius Zaliukas netting a dramatic late winner.

Paulo Sergio's side now host St Mirren in the last eight next month and Kevin would love to see the club go all the way to the final.

"It would be brilliant if Hearts got to the final in May. I might have to cancel my stag do for that! But seriously it would be a real boost if we could get there and even if I was doing some training by then, the buzz around the place would be great.

"But that's a long way off. I just want to focus on doing my rehab programme and then see how things are."

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On HeartsTV today, exclusive reaction from boss Paulo Sergio and match-winner Marius Zaliukas after last night's dramatic William Hill Scottish Cup replay triumph.