Hearts duo Michael Stewart and Marius Zaliukas have emerged as the leading candidates for the captain's armband for next season.

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo is looking for a new skipper following the departure of Robbie Neilson. And the Jambos boss is determined to have his new captain in place in time for their Clydesdale Bank Premier League opener against Dundee United.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Bolton, Laszlo told Hearts News: "I have been impressed with the attitude of Marius Zaliukas. He could be captain. I have him and Mike Stewart in my boat. I have on the field and in the dressing room, people who can be leaders."

He added: "They must be an example to the fans, the media, for the young players and this isn't easy.

"Mike Stewart and Larry Kingston are the oldest players at 28 but it is not the age which is important, it is the character.

"We have two weeks to go. If Mike Stewart has the armband this is okay but Marius Zaliukas is also a good character for this.

"If you give him more responsibility, he must also be an example and can't allow to happen what happened last season. It is important to bring him in the right way for the attitude.

"It is very early to talk about him being ready but he is now the first to go to training, the last to leave. Before it was different. He comes a lot to my dressing room now and I help him.

"He has the chance to polish his name. Everyone can make a mistake but everyone deserves a second chance.

"For sure we will have a captain against Dundee United."