Romanov hopeful of seeing Hearts in Champions League

CHAMPIONS League football remains the ultimate goal for Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov.

The Baltic banker has made no secret of the fact he believes the Jambos should, with the benefit of his huge investment, be one day performing on the game's biggest stage.

"We can challenge Celtic and Rangers," he declared after becoming the Gorgie club's majority shareholder following his £900,00 buy out of Chris Robinson earlier this year.

There is no doubting the ambitions of the Lithuanian millionaire, although many in Gorgie doubt their such a lofty target can be hit.

Having seen Hearts trail in a distant fifth in last season's SPL campaign, Romanov, pictured, is well aware of the work which lies ahead.

For now, he will have to content himself with seeing his other pride and joy rub shoulders with football's elite.

FBK Kaunas take on Liverpool tonight in the S Darius and S Girenas Stadium in the biggest club game in Lithuanian football history - and as he takes his seat in the ramshackle ground, Romanov, who is the home club's major backer, will be hoping for a minor miracle as the underdogs attempt to leave their mark on the Premiership aristocrats.

The first leg of the second qualifying round of the Champions League has brought the Anfield millionaires to eastern Europe and what Romanov would pay for victory this evening.

Much to his delight, they took care of HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands in the previous round (8-2 on agg) but they will do well to retain interest in the competition against Rafa Benitiez's side tonight.

Midfielder Marius Kizys has returned to Kaunas having failed to impress new Tynecastlle boss George Burley, although he will not feature tonight as his signature was not registered in time.

Arturios Rimkekevicius, a second half substitute for Hearts in the friendly against Middlesbrough last week, is set to play.

Taken from the Scotsman