Hearts winger Jamie Walker hopes shockwave treatment will end his persistent injury troubles - and he has not given up hope of making an impact on Scotland boss Gordon Strachan.
The Tynecastle youngster remains one of Robbie Neilson's brightest talents but he has not featured for almost a month as he struggles to shake off a lingering pain in his knee.
The problems first arose back in August and the Jambos medical team have now sent him for a course of high-amplitude sound wave pulses which help to break down the scar tissue causing him discomfort.
But the former Scotland Under-21 cap is still not sure when he will be able to make his Hearts return.
And that is especially frustrating for a player who has already set his sights on an international call-up.
He said: "As a player you want to play at the highest level and for me, that's representing my country.
"I'm obviously still injured now so I just want to get back playing well for Hearts first. But after that, you never know what could happen, whose eye you might catch.
"That would be up to what Gordon Strachan thinks but I'll just keep that aim in the back of my mind and concentrate on getting fit."
Walker's last appearance for the Gorgie outfit was the October 28 League Cup defeat to Celtic.
But he believes his return to first-team action is now getting nearer.
"The knee is healing quite well and hopefully I'll be back soon," said the 22-year-old, who will definitely miss Saturday's Ladbrokes Premiership trip to Motherwell.
"I've been getting a course of shockwave therapy. The docs use this bit of equipment which just looks like a big gun to fire sound waves into the knee, which helps to break down the tissue and helps the knee heal quicker.
"It's already feeling a lot better and I'm looking forward to getting back.
"I had a good season last year and carried that into this campaign, so it's frustrating. But you just have to try your best to keep your head up while you work to get back.
"I've had knee problems for a while and it was probably holding me back a bit. Now I'm letting it heal properly and hopefully it won't affect me as much."
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