BURLEY FACING INJURY CRISIS

Hearts manager George Burley admits he may have to watch the CIS Insurance Cup tie at Livingston with his fingers crossed after struggling to name a 16-man squad.

The Jambos will defend a 100% record this season when they make the short trip to West Lothian.

But the Tynecastle boss will be without the services of Julien Brellier, Roman Bednar and Takis Fyssas for the third round game.

The trio have joined Michal Pospisil, Ibrahim Tall and Neil MacFarlane in the treatment room to leave Burley with just 16 fit first-team squad members.

But the Hearts boss is concerned any more injuries at Livi will hamper his preparations for the SPL visit of Rangers on Saturday.

Burley said: "We have just 16 players to play in the tie against Livingston.

"I will put a team out I hope is going to go and win and will be keeping my fingers crossed we do not pick up any more injuries.

"We do not have too many options left to us and will certainly not be taking any risks with the Rangers match coming so close.

"This is not ideal preparation playing on the Wednesday evening and then having the early Saturday afternoon kick-off when you consider the magnitude of our next game.

"This is a huge job and we are at a very early stage in that process.

"It might take two or three seasons for Hearts to feel we have a squad strong enough to compete against the Old Firm on a regular basis."

Meanwhile, Livingston player-boss Paul Lambert is refusing to allow his team's poor start to the season affect confidence at the club.

The Almondvale club are at the foot of the SPL table after taking just one point so far this season and their only win was in the CIS Cup second round at Raith Rovers.

But the former Celtic and Scotland midfielder will not allow heads to drop.

Lambert said: "It's been brilliant so far and I love management.

"I have got a great group of guys and they make it enjoyable.

"We are not downbeat at all and they are giving me everything they have got. The place has never been down in my time here. I don't like long faces and I make sure I pick them up again to get ready for the next game.

"They train hard and have a laugh and give you everything they've got.

"We just need a wee break or two. We just have to keep going and keep knocking at the door.

"If they keep giving me the effort, it will turn for us in time."

Taken from sportinglife.com