Matthäus in late Hearts bid

LOTHAR Matthäus, the former captain of Germany, has expressed an interest in the managerial vacancy at Hearts but is unlikely to be appointed by the Tynecastle club. Representatives of the 44-year-old, currently in charge of Hungary as they attempt to qualify for next year's World Cup finals in his homeland, approached Hearts to inquire about the position but appear to have entered the fray too late.

It is understood former Parma coach Nevio Scala, interviewed by Hearts chief executive Phil Anderton on Sunday, remains the favourite to succeed John Robertson who was sacked as head coach last month. George Burley, who recently resigned as manager of Derby County, is also understood to have been in contact with Anderton.

"The aim is to hopefully make an appointment no later than the start of next week," said Hearts chairman George Foulkes.

Senior officials at Hearts were keen to stress last night that they had not made any approach to Matthäus and the man who won 150 caps for Germany in a glittering playing career would only be considered for the job if agreements cannot be reached with any of the names already on Anderton's short-list.

John Inglis, the former Aberdeen central defender now based in Sofia, is one of Matthäus' agents and he said last night: "Lothar told me he is missing the day-to-day involvement of club football. If Hearts or any other club wanted him, they would have to prove they are ambitious."

Matthäus, who captained Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup, retired in 2001 and coached Rapid Vienna and Partizan Belgrade before taking the Hungary job in 2003.

Taken from the Scotsman