Skipper Steven Naismith could leave Hearts this summer after a season plagued by injuries, insists Craig Levein.
The captain is set to lift the Championship trophy at Tynecastle today ahead of their return to the top flight.
However, the Jambos have been criticised this season for performances on their way to the title and look set for a squad overhaul before the start of the Premiership campaign.
Former boss Levein believes the 34-year-old could be one of the casualties of the summer clear-out under Robbie Neilson, despite Naismith having another two years left to run on the mammoth contract Levein himself offered.
The Scotland cap has managed five goals in 24 appearances this term at Hearts but Levein reckons his future will be a question mark for Neilson.
He told BBC Sportsound : “I think there will be a number of changes in the summer.
“I mean there are players here who will obviously be mainstays, guys like John Souttar and I think Peter Haring when he gets back to fitness, I know he will get there gradually, but I think there is maybe half a dozen who will be good players for Hearts next season, but I think there will be seven or eight players coming in.
“When you talk about 30-year-olds, that’s not old, and even guys like Michael Smith who is still a current Northern Ireland internationalist, he’s 34 but he’s a fit boy and I think he will play at the top level for another year or two. He can play in a number of different positions as well.
“If you combine age with injury history that’s a different story.
"When you look at Steven Naismith, he’s 34, had lots of problems and hasn’t played 30 games a season for a long time. So you’ve got to look at that and think there is a chance, too, that Naisy won’t be there for next season.”
