RIX WANTS HEARTS TO EDINBURGH ROCK

Hearts head coach Graham Rix is anticipating a "rip-roaring atmosphere" at Tynecastle for his first home game in charge of the Jambos against Livingston in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

The former Portsmouth and Oxford manager took over from George Burley just after the Gorgie men had beaten Dundee United at home last month and since then he has guided his new charges to draws at Aberdeen and Motherwell.

Tynecastle is heading for a sell-out for the visit of the Lions and Rix has been encouraged by the vibes from the Hearts fans he has met this week.

He said: "I understand most of the tickets have been sold and I'm looking forward to the game.

"I want it to be a rip-roaring atmosphere and I want my boys to respond to it which I'm sure they will.

"We've had two difficult away games and came through them relatively unscathed and the impression I get from speaking to the Hearts fans is one of excitement.

"I've not been to any supporters' meetings but I have bumped into the fans, they have come up to me and said, 'I can't wait until the game.'

"They want to go to Tynecastle and cheer the boys on against Livingston

"We haven't played at home for a couple of weeks and they got great value last time we played at Tynecastle against Dundee United, I thought we were excellent that day.

"So hopefully we can turn that style on and give the fans a victory."

Rix played down the significance of the return of striker Michal Pospisil who was left out of the squad to play Motherwell last week despite the Gorgie side being short of recognised attackers.

Subsequent reports suggested that the Czech striker, who scored for the reserves in midweek, was heading out of Tynecastle.

However, Rix said: "People have misunderstood the situation. I spoke to Michal, told him what I expected from him and said it was up him whether he reacted positively or negatively.

"To be fair to the boy he has reacted brilliantly and I'm delighted for him.

"I made that decision (to leave him out) last week and it's finished with and he is in the squad."

Hearts defender Robbie Neilson admits he was boosted by his inclusion in Walter Smith's Scotland Future squad to play Poland at Rugby Park next week, despite the negativity which has surrounded the less than glamorous fixture.

He said: "It's good to get recognised like that.

"The most important thing for me is playing for Hearts and trying to get back to winning ways again but I'm delighted, it's great.

"I haven't spoken to anybody from Scotland, I just got a letter through the post and it was a surprise.

"I knew the game was coming up but I never thought I would be involved but it's a nice wee boost.

"I don't share the negativity that there is about the game, not at all.

"It's a chance for players like myself to show what I can do."

Taken from sportinglife.com