Robbie Neilson believes Hearts' change in captaincy will allow Alim Ozturk to focus on returning to the starting lineup.

Perry Kitchen was handed the armband earlier in the week replacing the Turkish defender as skipper.

Ozturk has struggled to hold down a place in the Hearts team this season and Neilson now hopes the switch in the club's captaincy will help him rediscover his form.

"I hope now he'll be able to focus on getting back in the team," Neilson said when asked what impact Kitchen's appointment as captain could have on Ozturk.

"He's a top player, we know that and he's shown that over the past couple years, I just felt with Perry coming in and doing so well it was a good opportunity to move things forward again."

Neilson confirmed contract talks between the Tynecastle club and Ozturk but stated that the defender must force his way back into the team to progress those discussions.

"We've spoken to Alim but he needs to get himself back in the team now," he said. "The players who are here have to play football.

"Alim's at an age where he has to play. If he gets himself back in the team then we'll continue negotiations, we'll keep talking.

"And we're confident he'll get back in the team."