Neilson will lead Hearts for the rest of the season

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo has appointed Robbie Neilson as the new captain at Tynecastle.

The 28-year-old defender takes over the armband from Christophe Berra, who made a permanent move to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.

He deputised last week against Hamilton but has been given the role permanently until the end of the season.

"Robbie has been here a very long time and knows everything about the club," Laszlo told the club website.

The long-serving full-back returned to action for Hearts in November following six months out with a stomach complaint and an Achilles problem.

"He will do the job until the end of the season," added Laszlo.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Is Robbie Neilson the right man for the job?

"He is respected by the players and supporters and will be a good influence for the young boys.

"He is our most experienced player and has a lot of qualities."

Neilson's will lead out the Hearts side at Tynecastle in Saturday's Homecoming Scottish Cup fifth-round tie with Falkirk, while Christos Karipidis will assume the role of vice-captain.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version