Deans in plea over Ricardo

FORMER Hearts chairman Leslie Deans today urged the current Tynecastle board "to move heaven and earth" to keep loan star Ricardo Fuller in the Capital.

The Jamaican sensation has been a huge hit in Gorgie since arriving from Tivoli Gardens in October, the striker earning rave reviews after a string of superb displays helped the Jambos to an impressive 13 points from their last five league matches.

Fuller also grabbed both his side’s goals in the 2-1 win over Ross County in the third round of the Tennent’s Scottish Cup at the weekend to take his tally to seven from his last six games.

However, with his short-term deal due to expire in the summer and a reported price tag of £1million way beyond Hearts’ means, boss Craig Levein says he is resigned to losing the services of Fuller at the end of the current campaign.

The news that the front man could be priced out of a permanent move to Tynecastle has disappointed supporters, although many cling on to the hope that somehow the necessary funds can be found between now and the middle of May.

Deans insists it is the club’s duty to do everything within its power to try to hang on to a player who is taking the SPL by storm.

The ex-Tynecastle chief is well aware of the financial difficulties under which Hearts are having to operate, but he clearly believes securing the Jamaican internationalist on a longer-term deal would represent something of a wise investment.

"Ricardo Fuller is one of the most exciting talents we have seen at Tynecastle for many a year," he said.

"The club’s financial problems have been well documented but if Hearts could secure him for, say a contract worth £1 million, that kind of figure could be easily recouped two or three years down the line."

Levein, meanwhile, has expressed his satisfaction at the draw for the fourth round which saw the Jambos paired at home to the winners of the tie between Arbroath and Inverness Caley Thistle.

The Gayfield clash was postponed at the weekend and will now go ahead tomorrow, with Levein happy to meet either team for a place in the quarter-finals.

"We are at home in the next round and will be up against a team from a lower league," he said.

"So in that respect, it is not a bad draw for us.

"These ties are never easy and, whoever we meet, we will give the utmost respect to because as soon as the players think they have an easy game then problems can arise.

"We will be favourites to win it but will have to prepare in the proper professional manner," he added.

Taken from the Scotsman