Zaliukas given captain's armband at Tynecastle

HEARTS defender Marius Zaliukas, whose contract expires in December, is celebrating after being appointed as the club's new captain.

The Lithuanian internationalist takes over as skipper from Michael Stewart, who left Tynecastle during the summer to join Turkish outfit Genclerbirligi.

Manager Jim Jefferies said: "I made Marius captain last season and he did the job well. He has been captain for our pre-season friendlies and will be skipper for the season."