Zaliukas is training with Hearts at their pre-season camp in Italy

Hearts defender Marius Zaliukas hopes to stay with the club beyond the end of his contract in December - and to be team captain long-term.

But the 26-year-old, vice-captain last season, appreciates that manager Jim Jefferies has a difficult decision to make over who he chooses as skipper.

"I understand because I don't have a contract for the long term," Zaliukas told Hearts' website.

"There will probably be a meeting, so we'll see."

Michael Stewart was Hearts captain last season but did not feature in the final games of the season because his own contract was coming to an end in the summer.

Zaliukas took the armband and is hopeful of taking it full-time now that Stewart has moved to Turkish club Genclerbirligi.

"It gives me more confidence on a personal level, to talk to the young boys," he said.

When asked if he would like to stay with Hearts should terms be agreed on a new contract, Zaliukas said: "I don't see any problems with that."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version