Ian Black has apologised to Nikica Jelavic after his tackle left the Rangers striker facing a long spell out.
Hearts midfielder insists there was no malice
Hearts midfielder Ian Black has apologised to Nikica Jelavic after his tackle left the Rangers striker facing a long spell on the sidelines.
Jelavic suffered ankle ligament damage after being caught by Black during the Gers' 2-1 win at Tynecastle on Saturday and there are fears the Croatia international could be out for up to four months.
But Black, who plans to speak to the £4million summer signing in person, insists there was no malice in his challenge and that he was simply late into the tackle.
"You never want to see a fellow professional injured and I can only apologise to him," he told Hearts News.
Real blow
"There was no malice or intent on my part - I was just doing my best to win the challenge.
"But he is a fast player - quicker than I realised - and that is the reason I caught him.
"I have read that he has had an operation and how long he is going to be out and that's a real blow for him.
"I didn't get the chance to see him after the game but I'll try to get in touch with him when he gets back to wish him all the best."
