Hearts star Lee Wallace today vowed to return from his cruciate injury "better, stronger and faster" after being told he could be back in action in just three months.

The Scotland international was hurt in his country's Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein at Hampden Park on Tuesday, with initial estimates ruling him out for six months.

However, the defender breathed a huge sigh of relief when he was informed yesterday that surgery is unlikely to be required, meaning there's every chance he could be back in the team by Christmas.

Speaking exclusively to Hearts News, the 23-year-old said: "I feared the worst after the tackle as I usually get back up from those types of challenges. I knew something was up as I tried to flex my knee and the muscle just seemed to keep seizing up.

"Although it was painful I still just thought it was a knock and presumed it would ease off in a day or two. Because of the emotions of winning the game against Liechtenstein on Tuesday night I never really gave it much thought to be honest.

"The scan results weren't great and the doc said it was bad news as soon as I came out.

"He showed me the pictures on the screen and explained what had happened but to be honest I didn't really know what I was looking at! I just kept thinking there can't be many guys who turn up for an international game injured, get rid of it and then pick up another one playing for my country a few days later.

"When I was told it was going to be five or six months it was obviously a bit of a shock. But I tried to map out in my head what that meant and knew there was a chance I could still be involved this season. I was determined, though, not to let it get me down."

The prognosis improved drastically, though, after further consultations with specialists.

"I spoke to our physio Rob Marshall yesterday afternoon at the academy and he told me the good news," said Lee. "He had four or five players to see at the time and I just wanted them to get out of the treatment room so I could speak to him properly about it!

"When he told me my heart started pumping. Three months is still a long time to be out but it is such a big difference compared to the six months they were talking about. I'll be seeing the specialist soon when hopefully everything will be confirmed.

"It certainly makes you appreciate when you are fit. They have told me ten to 12 weeks and I've never been out for that length of time before but I'm determined to work hard and come back sooner than that. I want to come back better, stronger and faster.

"I'll be watching the guys in training and going to games to stay involved. If I am allowed to travel tomorrow I'll be at Celtic Park."

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