Hearts have confirmed that Darren Barr and Gordon Smith will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

The duo are among eight players whose deals are up this summer, with the future of the remaining six uncertain.

Andy Webster, Marius Zaliukas, Danny Grainger, Dylan McGowan, Fraser Mullen and Arvydas Novikovas are all out of contract at the end of next month.

"We are still not sure what is happening but no matter what, players are playing for their futures here or for their futures somewhere else," said Hearts manager Gary Locke.

"It's important that they give it their all from now until the end of the season. I know the lads really well and no matter who plays, they will give it everything they have got.

"Hopefully that will be enough to get us some victories."

Hearts currently lie in 10th place in the Scottish Premier League.