Jim Jefferies on the lookout for a leader to take over team captaincy

HEARTS are only just back to training but manager Jim Jefferies will be doing more than assess fitness in the build up to the domestic campaign.

He says he is looking for a leader to emerge as he decides on a new captain following the departure of Michael Stewart in the summer. It's a decision he won't rush into, claiming there are already some obvious contenders in the squad and refusing to rule out the possibility he could sign others before the action gets under way.

"It's nowhere near decided yet. It will depend on how I see things in pre-season, who is coming and going, performances in games. I will look at a few possibilities. You want somebody who commands respect, a leader. There are two or three good candidates."

An appointment is unlikely ahead of the Wolves and Blackburn friendlies at the beginning of August but one option would be Marius Zaliukas who deputised for Stewart last season. However, the Lithuanian defender's contract is due to expire in December, which has given Jefferies something to ponder.

"He did a good job but I don't know where we are in terms of (contract] discussions. For captain we want somebody who is settled. I'm not ruling him out but until I have talks with the main candidates I won't make a decision. But if there is a greater chance he could be leaving (midway through the season] then that might help me make up my mind."