Ambitions for Jonsson

Eggert Jonsson dreams of taking the captain's armband for Hearts after Jim Jefferies refused to confirm whether former skipper Michael Stewart would play for the club again. Stewart was reportedly unhappy at being relieved of the armband ahead of last weekend's defeat to Motherwell. The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and manager Jefferies admitted he has begun looking for an alternative skipper. The move fuels rumours midfielder Stewart will leave Tynecastle this summer, meaning there is a vacancy to be filled in the leadership stakes. Vice-captain Marius Zaliukas is favourite for the role, while Lee Wallace is also a contender and Jonsson could be in the frame having captained the side earlier in the season.

Asked if it was his ambition to captain Hearts on a permanent basis, the versatile Jonsson said: "I think if you ask any player, it would be. It would be a great honour. To be a captain, it gives you more responsibility. I'm still a young boy and I've got a lot to learn in the game. I'm not saying here that I should be the captain. There are a lot of people who have the chance to be it. We've got many candidates. Obviously, Marius is the vice-captain and Lee Wallace was the captain a few times. I was captain for one game against Rangers when Csaba (Laszlo) was here, so we've got a few leaders on the team." Describing leading Hearts out against the Scottish champions as the proudest moment of his career, the Iceland international said: "It was early on in the season and I was really honoured and proud to get the opportunity to be the captain."

Stewart started his first game for almost two months on Saturday following a calf injury. He was informed by Jefferies prior to the game that Zaliukas would retain the captaincy. Jonsson claimed he had not spoken to Stewart about the latter's feelings on the matter, amid reports the midfielder felt the move was "disrespectful". He added: "I was suspended so I'm not really aware of what went on. Mikey, I've been with him a long time. It's a tough thing for him personally but, in the end, the team is important. The manager does what he wants and I respect that, and obviously I've got no problem with that at all."