Dunfermline clash can’t come quickly enough for Hearts

HEARTS are desperate to atone for Saturday’s shock cup defeat by Inverness Caley Thistle against Dunfermline this weekend, with assistant boss Peter Houston insisting: "Saturday can’t come quickly enough for us."

The Jambos produced one of their most disappointing performances of the season in the fourth-round clash and Houston insists the players are already looking forward to the trip to East End Park.

"They know they let themselves down and the thing about a display like that is the next game can’t come quickly enough for them," said Houston.

"They need to pick themselves up and do their best to make sure they don’t play as poorly as that again.

"There is no doubt the Caley defeat was a massive blow for us but looking at the situation in the long term we have to get back to doing as well as we can in the league."

Captain Steven Pressley continued his recovery from the stomach bug which ruled him out of the cup tie by doing some gym work yesterday.

Stephane Mahe picked up a hamstring problem at the weekend but Houston is confident the Frenchman will be fine for the trip to Fife.

"Elvis is better and should be okay for Dunfermline and we don’t think Stephane’s hamstring is anything serious," added Houston.

Last night’s under-21 clash with Rangers at Forthbank fell victim to the weather, causing more frustration for the Tynecastle first-team men needing games to improve their match fitness.

"The likes of Stephane Adam and Andy Kirk would have played against Rangers and they’ll have been frustrated at missing out," said Houston. "There are a number of lads at the club needing matches at the moment, but what can you do?"

The under-18 derby, which was called off on Friday, has been pencilled in for Tuesday, April 16 at Olivebank, Musselburgh (1.30pm).

Taken from the Scotsman