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Locke hails departing Black Hearts first-team coach Gary Locke today paid tribute to the role Ian Black has played this season after it was announced the midfielder will leave Tynecastle at the end of the current campaign. William Hill Scottish Cup finalists Hearts confirmed on Sunday night that they would not be taking up their option to retain Black, whose three-year contract expires in the summer. Speaking ahead of Tuesday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Motherwell, Locke said: "He has had discussions with the board and they've come to agreement that he's going to move at the end of the season. "From a personal point of view and talking on behalf of Paulo (Sergio, the manager) and the backroom staff, he's been fantastic for us. He has been outstanding this season, probably close to being the club's player of the year, and whatever he does in the future we wish him all the best. "It was a matter between Blacky and the board of directors. He's decided that he sees his future elsewhere. If we (the coaching staff) wanted to keep him or not, if he says he wants to play somewhere else we wish him all the best. He's a fantastic lad and a fantastic professional and he's played a huge part in the success we've had this season." Striker Craig Beattie is out. Beattie suffered a hamstring strain in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Dundee United. Right-back Jamie Hamill and midfielder Adrian Mrowiec (both knee) are out. Tim Clancy has even more reasons than most of his Motherwell team-mates to savour a potentially momentous season as the Lanarkshire side enter the final stages of their race for a Champions League place. The defender began the season on the fringes at Kilmarnock before being signed as cover by Fir Park manager Stuart McCall in August. Even with Steven Saunders injured, Motherwell's back four looked secure with Tom Hateley, Stevie Hammell, Shaun Hutchinson and Stephen Craigan performing well. But Clancy is in line to make his 28th appearance for the club as Motherwell look to extend their five-point lead in third place on Tuesday. Apart from a two-month spell after being sent off against Celtic in November, Clancy has held down a place at centre-back. "I've been delighted with how things have turned out," the 27-year-old said. "I've played a lot of games so I`m quite happy, and when you`re playing in a team that's winning it makes going to work a lot easier. "It's just the final push now and hopefully we can pick up a few more wins." Motherwell boss Stuart McCall again has a full squad to choose from. McCall reported a couple of knocks after Saturday's 5-1 win over St Johnstone but everyone is fit for the Tynecastle encounter. McCall is expected to name the same team that triumphed against the Perth side.