HEARTS owner Vladimir Romanov has revealed that the club's director of football may not be in place until after the January transfer window closes.

The Gorgie outfit had originally been confident the new man would have taken up his post by Christmas but the Lithuanian millionaire has dented fans' hopes by declaring he doesn't expect to appoint anyone until "at least the end of January".

Romanov, who has been in Bosnia on business, has maintained he would take as long as was required to land the correct person and the fact that the latest transfer window is set to open without the new post being filled doesn't appear to concern him.

"I am really scared to break what we have created, the spirit we have in the club, by choosing the wrong candidate," he is reported to have said. "I don't think there will be anybody new coming in until at least the end of January."

The incoming figurehead was supposed to have responsibility for working closely with Romanov to bring in new players, with boss Graham Rix concentrating on the coaching side of things. This latest twist will add to the confusion over who will actually be calling the shots when the time comes to bolster the title-chasing squad next month.

With Hearts today linked with Czech Republic Under-21 defender Josej Kaufman and Moldova international stopper Yuri Priganiuc apparently having already agreed a deal with the Jambos, it appears Romanov is taking a significant hands-on role in the recruitment process.

Romanov, meanwhile, has backed Rix, unbeaten after four games in charge, to win over sceptical supporters.

"I am sure he will win the fans' hearts again and show he can get the best results," he said. "I can see he is still nervous because of all the pressure that was on him but I'm really pleased with him and he is an amazing man." Rix for his part insisted today that he can handle the flak being thrown at him by fans in the wake of the disappointing draw against Inverness.

Large sections of the Tynecastle crowd turned on the head coach as the Jambos lost their 100 per cent home record this season.

The former Oxford United and Portsmouth manager admitted the criticism has hurt but was adamant it won't deflect him from continuing the task in hand.

"I can understand the fans' frustrations but it is not as if we are not trying," he said.

"The boys are working their socks off and as long as they are doing that it is difficult to criticise them.

"If people want to criticise me then so be it. It is not nice but it goes with the job.

"I know it's a funny old game and if we can get a good result against Rangers on Saturday then everything will be okay.

Midfielder Jamie McAllister is set to miss the trip to Ibrox.

The former Livingston and Aberdeen star was forced to sit out the Inverness clash after twisting his knee in the Scotland Future clash against Poland and is facing up to being sidelined on Saturday as the Jambos go for their second win of the season over Alex McLeish's outfit.

TYNECASTLE is the venue on Sunday for the SFA Youth Cup clash between Hearts and Hibs. Kick-off is 1pm with entrance for adults costing £5 (concessions £2).

Taken from the Scotsman