Hearts striker Kyle Lafferty is set to appear in person at Hampden on Tuesday in a bid to clear his name for the Scottish Cup derby against Hibs.
The Northern Ireland internationalist is appealing his red card from the December 30 goal-less draw at Aberdeen and is facing a two-game ban if the suspension is upheld.
That would force the 11-goal marksman to sit out the January 21 fourth round visit of their city rivals and the Premiership trip to Hamilton three days later.
Lafferty was dismissed by referee John Beaton two minutes from the end of the Pittodrie outing after tripping Dons captain Graeme Shinnie with a late sliding tackle.
The Scottish FA hearing was originally due to take place on Thursday, the day the Gorgie outfit depart for a five-day training camp in Spain, but was brought forward 48 hours to allow the 30-year-old to give evidence in person.
Hearts manager Craig Levein and Dons counterpart Derek McInnes had differing views of the red-card incident after the game.
Levein said: “I thought it was really harsh because seeing it back he’s only just missed the ball.”
However, McInnes said: “A manager will always defend his player but I don’t think that can be defended.
“I’m not sure if both feet were off the ground, but his intention was to bring Graeme Shinnie down rather than win the ball.”
A member of the Hearts coaching staff is also expected to accompany Lafferty to the hearing at the national stadium.
