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Stewart will lead Hearts this season, with support from Zaliukas

Michael Stewart has been given the captain's armband at Hearts, with Marius Zaliukas acting as vice-captain.

Manager Csaba Laszlo told the club website: "I really have two captains. They will have joint responsibility.

"For example, Marius is coming with me to the Scottish FA meeting at Hampden and will feature in the promotional photograph for the Clydesdale Bank.

"Michael will do other jobs, but we will share and we will learn and grow together."

Laszlo had said at the start of pre-season that he would choose between Stewart, Zaliukas and midfielder Laryea Kingston as he sought a new captain.

Robbie Neilson took over the Tynecastle armband in January once Christophe Berra was sold to Wolves, but the right-back has since moved on to Leicester.

Stewart, 28, began his career with Manchester United and spent a season on loan with Hearts before making the switch to Edinburgh rivals Hibs in 2005.

Following two years at Easter Road, he returned to Tynecastle under freedom of contract in the summer of 2007.