Hearts star Ian Black has admitted he feared he'd suffered a serious injury in his side's Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeat to Aberdeen at Tynecastle.

The midfielder was stretchered off after receiving emergency medical attention on the field after being hurt in an accidental clash with Davide Grassi.

He appeared to be badly hurt after the Dons' ace came crashing down on his back after an aerial challenge in the centre circle in the closing stages of the game, players immediately signalling their concern for the stricken star.

Thankfully, the 24-year-old responded to further treatment after the game and was able to gingerly make his way to the Press Room where he revealed his fears to the assembled media.

"I did fear the worst because I felt as if I couldn't move," he said. "I hurt my back when he came down on me and I just couldn't breathe at all. It was obviously one of those ones where I was winded.

"Eventually I started to come round. My breathing eventually came back round and they checked for movement and my legs were alright and when I got off I just wanted to stand up and make sure I was alright myself."

Ian's problem was one of a number of injury concerns for boss Csaba Laszlo in the game, Scott Robinson, Ruben Palazuelos, Lee Wallace all being forced from the field.

The injuries rounded off a miserable evening for the Edinburgh side, who suffered their first defeat in eight league games.

They now face St Johnstone in Perth on Saturday before taking on St Mirren in the semi-final of the Co-operative Insurance Cup on Tuesday night at Fir Park and Ian added: "The physios will be working hard and the boys will be trying their best to get back, no-one likes being injured or sitting in the treatment room.

"It capped a bad night for us. It was disappointing, especially with the goals we gave away. We failed to defend them in the right way. We have got to pick ourselves up now after looking at the other results.

"We have a god bunch of lads and the gaffer will get us working and we'll be fine. I'm confident in the boys and we are confident in each other. It is all about forgetting this and moving on.

"We went on a good wee run of games there where we didn't get beaten so we need to look at that and pick ourselves up and try and win on Saturday."

The former Blackburn Rovers trainee insists it's no time for panic, particularly with the likes of the expereicned Jose Goncalves and Andrew Driver poised for an imminent first-team return from injury.

"The manager's been a bit unfortunate having quite a few of the experienced boys out injured but the young boys have come in and they've done great," he said.

"We have pulled off results - we went to Ibrox and were unfortunate not to take the three points. But I am sure the gaffer will be glad when he gets a few of the experienced boys back.

"We're down to the bare bones but this is a big club and we have quality players. There's no panic just now. As long as we pick ourselves up and get going we'll be alright."

On Hearts.TV today, all the exclusive post-match reaction from the Tynecastle clash with Aberdeen.