HEARTS FORWARD Callum Paterson admits he is devastated at missing out on a cup final in his breakthrough season after a foot injury ended his campaign.
The 18-year-old was having an operation after tearing a ligament in training ahead of the Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final against Inverness.
Paterson, who has scored four goals this season, faces three months out and will miss the final against St Mirren on March 17.
The teenager made his debut against St Johnstone on the opening day of the season and went on to make 27 first-team appearances before the blow two weeks ago.
Paterson told Hearts News: “It’s devastating to have this happen at this stage of the season, especially with the League Cup final coming up and big league games to look forward to as well.
“I was hoping to get a medal in my first season but it’s not to be. I suppose that’s life and these things happen in football.
“My focus will be on getting fully fit for pre-season and trying to impress the manager again to get back into the first team at the start of next season.
“I aim to come back even fitter and stronger after this setback.
“I am still young and, hopefully, there are a lot more opportunities in front of me.”
The teenager made his debut at right-back before being moved into midfield and then up front, scoring his first two goals in a victory at Dundee United in September.
Hearts boss John McGlynn, whose team return to Tannadice tomorrow, said: “It’s a blow for the boy and a blow for the team as well.
“Callum came on the scene at 17 years of age, broke into the first team and got himself four goals. He has had a great season.
“Then after a freak training ground accident he will have to go through an operation.
“It will take him right to the end of the season but we will support him.”
While McGlynn has lost Paterson he will gain right-back Jamie Hamill, who has returned to full training 10 months after rupturing a cruciate ligament.
His recovery suffered a setback around the turn of the year.
However, extra rehabilitation work has got him back with his team-mates and he will now look for under-20s action.
“It’s good to get Jamie back,” McGlynn said.
Meanwhile, midfielder Jason Holt is expected to shake off an ankle injury, which forced him out of the Scotland under-21 squad, to be fit for the clash.