HEARTS BEATING STRONGLY AGAIN - BOSS

Hearts head coach John Robertson believes the future looks bright for the club after meeting the new Tynecastle hierarchy briefly this week.

The Jambos' boss was introduced to new chief executive Sergejus Fedotovas but must wait before discovering what kind of budget will be available for strengthening his squad.

Robertson has struggled with financial restrictions at the club since his arrival in October last year.

However, after Romanov bought out ex-chief executive Chris Robinson's 19.6% share in the club this week, Robertson is confident of better times ahead.

He said: "I have not spoken to Sergejus about a budget at all.

"He came in for about two minutes to meet the players, that was all.

"I am encouraged by what the new owners have said in the media, they are saying what the Hearts fans, players and coaches want to hear and, hopefully, that can be delivered.

"But, until we are told what we can and cannot do, then it is just talk.

"I am sure that once Sergejus gets his feet under the table and starts talking to the staff, which he has intimated he will do over the next few weeks, then we will know exactly where we are going."

On the field, Hearts midfielder Neil MacFarlane insists the players will still capture the excitement of the Tennent's Scottish Cup, despite having played Kilmarnock three times this season.

The Jambos have won twice - once in the CIS Insurance Cup - while the other game was drawn in the Scottish Premier League.

But, despite the potential prospect of three successive matches against Killie, MacFarlane is relishing cup competition.

He said: "There will be no surprises against Kilmarnock and we will play them next week in the SPL as well.

"We don't want a replay against them though because that would be three games against them in a week.

"We drew against them at Rugby Park, we beat them at home and we knocked them out of the CIS Cup as well.

"You play each other a number of times each season in Scotland but we know what competition this game is in - it is a one-off game and a vitally important match which we are looking forward to.

"And, if we beat Kilmarnock, then we go into the quarter-finals and, hopefully, get another favourable draw to let us push on.

"But it will be a hard game. Kilmarnock have had a sticky patch, but they picked up and have been on a great run and will be looking to do something against us.

"We have got a good home record though and their manager Jim Jefferies has never won at Tynecastle as Kilmarnock manager so lets hope it stays that way."