Hearts have confirmed that Jamie Hamill has suffered a serious ligament injury that will rule him out of first team action for several months.

The defender twisted his knee during a training session on Tuesday and , after a scan on his knee at hospital, has been told that he has damaged his cruciate ligament and is likely to miss the start of next season.

Speaking to Hearts' official website, manager Paulo Sergio confirmed the bad news but backed the player to return stronger than ever.

"It is bad news for Jamie as he has done his cruciate and he will be out for a long period," Sergio said.

"He is one of the guys who never missed a day's training and then this happens to him and I'm very sad for him.

"I have no doubt he will come back strongly as he is one of the strongest characters in our dressing room.

"I am sure he will recover sooner than anyone could imagine as he is a strong guy."

Hamill has made 35 appearances for the Edinburgh club this season, scoring five goals. the 25-year old had been in line to play in hearts' Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic on Sunday.