Stewart has assumed the captaincy for Hearts this season

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo says Michael Stewart will remain captain despite the midfielder being sent off in his competitive debut in the role.

"With his experience, he must not get a second yellow card," said the manager who chose Stewart as captain and Zaliukas as his deputy.

"But I protect my player and they will both stay in the same position."

Laszlo preferred to keep his comments about the sending off in the dressing-room after the 2-0 loss to Dundee Utd.

Stewart joins his deputy in being suspended for the next Scottish Premier League game, against Rangers.

"To find another to take the armband - that is the smallest problem I have right now," said Laszlo.

The manager preferred to concentrate on the positives and pointed out that Lee Wallace will be available to return against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Andrew Driver and Calum Elliott will return to training next Monday following injury.

Christian Nade was substituted after 70 minutes against United as Laszlo said that the striker was still recovering from his injury problems.

"Christian Nade had surgery and is not 100% fit," said the manager.

"Slowly, slowly he is making it, but he is now injury-free and he will be okay."

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