Nade has only scored three goals this season for Hearts

Hearts striker Christian Nade will undergo a hernia operation next week but is determined to play his part in a game that could deny Celtic the title.

The Frenchman is an injury doubt ahead of Sunday's final league game of the season, which Celtic must win and hope Rangers drop points at Dundee United.

Nade said: "I have been playing with it since September, but I am sure I will be available for Sunday.

"It's been hard to carry on as I have been taking painkillers."

Hearts secured third place in the Scottish Premier League by beating United last weekend, but Nade insists they still have reasons to be motivated.

"Sunday isn't that important to us, but what is important is for us to win the game as we have beaten every team apart from Celtic, so we need a victory to make our season," he said.

Nade has struggled to score goals since arriving from Sheffield United in 2007 but is looking forward to a better season next term, especially with Hearts having qualified for the Europa League.

Maybe he will be out of the squad on Sunday Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo

"Next season is going to be exciting, so of course I want to stay at the club," he said.

"The manager has also helped give me confidence by speaking to me a lot and playing me in games.

"The fans then started to trust me, so I felt better on the pitch."

Nade was hopeful of starting the new season free from injury.

"It is still causing discomfort, so maybe this is a good time to have the operation," he said.

Manager Csaba Laszlo has other options at his disposal if Nade is unable to face Celtic.

"He must be operated on at the end of the season," he said.

"Maybe he will be out of the squad on Sunday. We will have Tullberg, Templeton, Novikovas and young players on the bench."

David Obua could also require an injection to get him through the game in Glasgow.

However, fellow midfielders Ruben Palazuelos, Laryea Kingston and Andrew Driver will all probably be missing for the visitors from Edinburgh.

Laszlo discounted suggestions that his players would lack motivation.

"It's in my blood to beat my next opponent," he said.

"We must concentrate on the game against Celtic, be very fair against the other teams."

He could not believe that Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was being criticised by some of his club's fans, saying that the Scot had done "a fantastic job".

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