Brad McKay, the Hearts defender, remains hopeful that Ryan Stevenson will still be at the club next season despite the midfielder having been told he can leave.

The 29-year-old remains under contract at Tynecastle but will only be granted a place in the first team if he agrees to play for 25% of the wage he negotiated in 2012.

It is thought that Stevenson will exercise a release clause in his deal and move on this summer, although McKay does not want his team-mate to go.

"He is absolutely outstanding with the young boys at the club, which is what you need," he said. "He would be a really big miss if he does leave."