Hearts defender Jamie Brandon out for nine months

Hearts defender Jamie Brandon is today reeling from the news that he will miss a minimum of nine months through injury.

Hearts full-back Jamie Brandon is facing a nine-month spell on the sidelines

Scans on the 20-year-old's knee have confirmed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a torn meniscus tendon. He is not expected to play again until nearer Christmas time.

It is a huge blow for Brandon, who has delivered a number of impressive displays in the Hearts first team this season. He suffered the injury during Tuesday's Development League match against Aberdeen.

Medical staff at Riccarton had been praying the problem wasn't as bad as first thought. However, the player underwent a scan earlier today which confirmed his and Hearts' worst fears.

Not only will he miss the rest of the current campaign, he will also be absent for much of the first half of next season.

Brandon is to recover over the coming weeks before beginning a long rehabilitation programme aimed at strengthening the muscles in his knee.