Angry fans right - Rix

HEARTS boss Graham Rix today admitted fans were right to be annoyed as Inverness Caley Thistle ruined the Jambos' 100 per cent home record this season.

The Gorgie outfit went into Saturday's clash with the Highlanders looking for a ninth- straight Tynecastle victory but, minus the influential Julien Brellier, Roman Bednar and Edgaras Jankauskas, they were left frustrated after a 0-0 stalemate.

Although they edged a point further away from third-placed Hibs, the draw dented Hearts' proud record and brought a chorus of boos from supporters at the final whistle.

Rix admitted he was as frustrated as the fans at his side's lacklustre performance and urged them to be patient as he bids to stamp his style on the team.

"The lads gave me everything and I couldn't ask for any more from them," he said.

"It was frustrating to drop points at home but we're not the first team Inverness have done that to.

"I can understand where the fans are coming from and it was a frustrating afternoon for us all.

"But they have to understand we had key members of our team missing. With all due respect to the boys who played up front, I think we missed Roman and big Edgaras.

"They are two big players for us and we need them." And he added: "Inverness are a very tough team to beat and it was always going to be a frustrating game for us. It looked like it could have taken a flukey goal to win it but it never happened."

With Brellier suspended, Stephen Simmons was handed his first league start of the campaign and Rix admitted circumstances could have been easier for the midfielder.

"I am sure Stephen was pleased to get a chance to show what he could do but it maybe wasn't the easiest game in which to come back into," he admitted..

Samuel Camazzola replaced Simmons after 68 minutes and the midfielder is now looking for more regular involvement having struggled to force his way into Rix's plans since the Englishman's arrival in the Capital. The Brazilian said: "It was difficult to come on so late on but I enjoyed my time on the park, although the result wasn't good. Before, when I was starting games, I thought I was playing well but I hadn't played since the new manager came in.

"I hope to start a game soon but it is not my opinion that counts, it is the gaffer's and I respect his opinion. He is a good coach and a good professional and there is no problem."

Rix, meanwhile, welcomed the fact his side had been given the advantage of a home tie in the third round of the Tennent's Scottish Cup. The Gorgie outfit host Kilmarnock next month and the Hearts boss said: "Jim Jefferies will be coming back and I'm sure he'll get a warm welcome. It will be tough but we're at home."

Taken from the Scotsman