How big a loss is Findlay for Hearts?

An ever-present in the backline, Hearts now face six weeks without defender Stuart Findlay after he picked up a hamstring injury.

The 30-year-old has played the most Premiership minutes (2,489) of any outfield player this season. In fact, only Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland and Livingston number one Jerome Prior have clocked up more game-time.

With Hearts sitting at the summit of the Premiership having lost just four games and conceded only 24 goals in 28 games, Findlay has had a major part to play.

His 188 clearances is the fourth highest of any player in the top flight, as are his 112 headed clearances. He's won 109 aerial duels, the fifth highest for any defender in the league.

And the centre-back has been chipping in at the other end of the pitch too. His five goals is the second highest for a defender, alongside Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers and Motherwell's Emmanuel Longelo, while he is tied with the pair at the top of the charts for non-penalty goals.

Findlay previously worked with Tynecastle boss Derek McInnes at Kilmarnock and has proved a shrewd - and bargain - signing.

Having initially moved on loan for the season from Oxford United, he was rewarded with a permanent deal last month and will officially become a permanent Hearts player on a two-year contract in the summer.

Findlay - and record signing Ageu - are the latest players added to Hearts' lengthy injury list, but the good news is midfielder Beni Baningime could return from injury for Saturday's home game against Aberdeen.

The likely replacement for Findlay, Jamie McCart, was one of the first signings identified by Jamestown Analytics and now has a chance to prove his worth to McInnes' title-chasing side.

McCart joined the club last January from Rotherham but has started just two league games this season and has played a total of 261 minutes over 12 matches.