Injured Hearts defender Lee Wallace was today given a further boost when majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov phoned him with a message of support.

The Scotland star, already buoyed by the news his torn cruciate is expected to keep him out for three months as opposed to the six months orginally feared, received the surprise call at the academy this morning.

"It was a nice gesture from Mr Romanov and I certainly wasn't expecting to hear from him," said Lee.

"He wanted to pass on his best wishes for my recovery and just told me to keep my head down and work hard on my rehabilitation."