Hearts captain Christophe Berra has been ruled out of action for six months after sustaining a torn hamstring.

STV understands the injury is so severe the Scotland defender requires surgery.

Berra pulled up after attempting to stop a Leigh Griffiths shot on Hearts' goal during the 1-0 win over Celtic.

The 33-year-old was substituted immediately, with Aaron Hughes stepping into the defence and John Souttar taking over the armband.

Hearts' initial fears that the injury was a serious one have now been confirmed, with the experienced stopper expected to miss at least the first half of the season.

Manager Craig Levein said: "Its obviously a very big blow and I am gutted for Christophe.

"He's really never been injured before and has played for a number of years at the highest level so its really bad luck.

"The reassuring thing is that this year we have strength in depth.

"Aaron Hughes showed his quality when called upon so we have options going forward."