Rix mystified by suggestion Pospisil will leave Hearts

HEARTS boss Graham Rix today insisted that Michal Pospisil has told him nothing about his desire to leave the club next month.

The former Czech Republic Under-21 star is just four months into a three-year deal having been signed by former manager George Burley from Slovan Liberec in a £300,000 move.

His agent Victor Kolar has claimed his client is unhappy at Tynecastle after falling out of favour with Rix and has indicated the player will be seeking a move out of Gorgie if he fails to feature against either Falkirk on Boxing Day or in the New Year's Day showdown with league leaders Celtic.

Rix, though, has insisted he has been told nothing of such a situation, either by the striker or his representative.

Claiming that Pospisil, who didn't make the bench for Saturday's defeat from Rangers at Ibrox, will have to work hard to earn his place in the team, the former England international said: "The agent has not spoken to me about this and neither has Michal so I can't really comment on what has been said in the papers.

"Michal has to keep working hard to get back into the team. We are all in this together and must all work to come through what is a mini-dip in our season."

Pospisil was dropped by Rix after being hauled off at half-time in his first game in charge against Aberdeen at Pittodrie and has struggled to make an impression since then.

Kolar, who also represents free-scoring midfielder Rudi Skacel and Roman Bednar, claimed that Pospisil will seek employment elsewhere should he continue to be marginalised.

He said: "If the situation at Hearts doesn't look good for him we could try to move him out on loan or something like that. If Michal doesn't get back into the team on a regular basis I would say we will definitely look to find some form of solution."

Kolar is scheduled to meet Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov shortly to discuss the matter, as well as the long-term future of Skacel.

"There are many things to talk about when we meet," he added.

Meanwhile, Takis Fyssas should be available for the visit of Falkirk on Boxing Day.

The Greek defender missed the trip to Ibrox after returning home for the birth of his first child.

Jamie McAllister deputised at left-back in his absence against Alex McLeish's outfit and Rix will make a decision over weekend once he assesses the fitness of the Euro 2004 winner.

He said: "Takis went home for the birth of his daughter and I'd like to pass on my congratulations to both him and his wife. The club's delighted for them both.

"I felt it was the right thing to do to allow him the time to go home but he should be available for the Falkirk game on Boxing Day.

"I am sure he will be okay. He will be back buzzing and keen to get back playing again."

Taken from the Scotsman