Hearts starlet Matthew Park is to undergo surgery next week after suffering a serious knee injury.

The Australian tore his cruciate ligament last month in a friendly against Kilmarnock at Riccarton and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old defender goes into hospital at the start of the week for reconstructive surgery, after which he will embark on a long programme of rehabilitation.

"Matthew is due to have the surgery next week and we all want to wish him well," boss Csaba Laszlo said today.

"It is a very unfortunate injury to get at this stage of his career. He will be out for a long time and that is a pity as his game had been progressing."

Matthew had been on the fringes of the first team this season, earning a place in the squad on a number of occasions, but is now targeting the start of next season for his return to action.

Csaba, meanwhile, expects to face a Celtic side full of confidence on Sunday after the Parkhead side's superb comeback against Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Europa League last night.

Tony Mowbray's team fought back from 3-0 down to earn a point in Vienna and Csaba said: "It was a very tough game for them after losing three goals in the first half. But they showed desire and spirit to get back into the game and win a point. This will have them fired up for Sunday.

"I would expect them to make some more changes but it is really what we do that matters. If we play the way we can, then I am confident we can get a good result."

On Hearts.TV today Csaba'a pre-match Press conference, in full, from Riccarton.