RIX GETTING HIS KICKS FROM STARS
By Anthony Haggerty

GRAHAM RIX last night insisted he's been bowled over by the quality and attitude of his new charges.

Rix spent years rubbing shoulders with the superstars of Chelsea but if people thought working with Hearts players would be something of a comedown that was blown away by the recently-appointed Tynecastle coach.

And having spent the past week familiarising himself with his new surroundings and getting to know the staff he revealed he can't wait for the action to start against Aberdeen on Sunday.

Rix said: "I am very excited about this challenge and I have taken the team for a couple of sessions and thoroughly enjoyed it.

"I am looking forward to taking the team for the rest of the week and preparing us for the visit to Aberdeen.

"The squad have already shown me they have a great attitude. They have been brilliant with me and I am really looking forward to working with them.

"In the short space of time I have spent with them I can already see they have a tremendous team spirit and my first impression was that there are some very good players at the club"I havebeenveryimpressed so far and like what I see.

"I'm really looking forward to the Aberdeen game although it is a tough start.

"However, all the matches will be tough and I am under no illusions as to what is expected of me here.

"I just can't wait to get on with the business of winning matches for Hearts - starting this Sunday."

Rix revealed he has already sounded out Lithuanian owner Vladimir Romanov about bringing in potential recruits in the January transfer window.He said:"I've mentioned one or two names of players to Mr Romanov as regards the January transfer window but I'm not even thinking about that at the moment.

"I need time to get my feet firmly established under the table and get to know my players and staff."

Rix admitted he breathed a sigh of relief as the Jambos' Scottish quartet emerged unscathed from international duty at the weekend.

The former Arsenal striker insists he was a worried man on Saturday evening but was pleased to report Craig Gordon, Steven Pressley, Andy Webster and Paul Hartley were all given a clean bill of health after the 1-1 draw with the USA at Hampden.

He said: "I was a little bit worried late on Saturday evening especially as Hearts had four players on show against USA.

"To my knowledge they have all came through that match unscathed and none of them are feeling any adverse effects from that game which comes a massive relief to me.

"It is a great boost for Andy to score his first goal for his country.

"Hopefully, he can continue his international form at club level

Taken from the Daily Record