CHISHOLM FEARS A HEARTS BACKLASH

GORDON CHISHOLM is praying off-field events take their toll on Hearts on the pitch.

But the Dundee United boss fears his side could face a backlash as they prepare to face the managerless club at Tynecastle on Saturday.

Jambos owner Vladimir Romanov has further rocked the Gorgie club by sacking chief executive Phil Anderton and seeing chairman George Foulkes resign in the aftermath of boss George Burley's shock exit.

Now United hope to take advantage by becoming only the second team after Hibs to inflict defeat on the Edinburgh club.

Yet Chisholm, whose side are anxious to avoid a third straight loss, doesn't expect the controversy surrounding Hearts to have any bearing on the outcome.

He said: "I don't think what has happened will distract their players.

"I hope it does but they have the right mentality which comes from the likes of Steven Pressley, Paul Hartley and the rest of the Scottish guys.

"I'm sure John McGlynn will bring them all together to close ranks and have them concentrating fully on the football side of things.

"I was at the derby and it was pretty even until Edgaras Jankauskas was sent off. That was the turning point.

"They will be hurting and will definitely be up for it. But I've said that it will depend on how we prepare and play.

"If we can play like we did in spells against Celtic then we can match anyone.'

Chisholm yesterday handed skipper Derek McInnes and Lee Miller a run-out in their reserve game against Hearts at Forthbank as they continue to top up their match fitness.

Meanwhile, Stuart Duff is an injury concern for United. The utility man hasn't been able to train properly recently because of a knee strain.

Chisholm has targeted next weekend's break for international duty as the time for Duff to take a well-earned rest.

He said: "If we can get him to the international break then that will do him good

Taken from the Daily Record