Heart of Midlothian left-back Harry Milne’s season is over after he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, head coach Wouter Vrancken has confirmed.

The 29-year-old, who has become an integral part of the Tynecastle side over the past year, suffered the injury during a training session in preparation for last Thursday’s Conference League defeat away to Trabzonspor.

After being voted into the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year last season, Milne was named one of Hearts’ vice-captains by Vrancken in July.

“Harry is unfortunate, with his season finished,” the Hearts boss said as he faces going into Wednesday’s home encounter with Rangers without eight first-team players.

“It was an ACL, as I expected. There was a bit of hope, but now it’s just unlucky for him. It was hard for him, but he has made peace with it.”

Milne is among a long list of Hearts absentees, with Vrancken also confirming fellow defenders Stuart Findlay and Christian Borchgrevink face more time on the sidelines.

The Belgian coach expects Blair Spittal to return before Christmas but says “it’s difficult to see” fellow midfielder Tom Renaud being back by then.

Hearts travelled to Motherwell on Sunday with a depleted squad but managed to grind out a hard-fought 2-0 victory.

Vrancken says his squad will be unchanged for the visit of Rangers, which marks the return of manager Derek McInnes following his departure from Hearts in June.

“We have the same focus as we’ve had on a few occasions already this season,” the Belgian added as his side look to narrow the four-point gap between themselves and second-top Rangers.

“Focus on what you have to do on the pitch, because we want to win the game and get the result, even with the injuries.

“We want good confidence with the players on the pitch and in the squad and to keep the belief there.

“Negative emotions, or emotions in general, that are not focused on what we have to do, don’t bring anything extra to the game. There’s always noise you have to block out or avoid.”