Hearts left-back Danny Grainger will miss the rest of the season after being told he needs knee surgery.
The former Gretna, Dundee United and St Johnstone player suffered cruciate ligament damage during his side's goalless draw at Motherwell on Saturday after landing awkwardly.
And a visit to a specialist today confirmed his worst fears.
Grainger wrote on his Twitter account: "Had some terrible news today about my injury to say im gutted is an understatment [sic] but unfortunately i will miss the rest of the season.
"I need an operation on my knee which means im gonna be out between 6-9 months! lots of kind msgs from footballers and fans means a lot."
Teenager Kevin McHattie came in at left-back for Hearts in their 4-0 defeat by Celtic on Wednesday night.
