Elvis: We did it for the gaffer

HEARTS skipper Steven Pressley today hailed his side's five-star performance against Falkirk and claimed: "We did it for the boss."

Pressure had been growing on manager Graham Rix after a string of poor displays since he took charge but the Jambos reproduced some of their scintillating form from earlier in the season to demolish the Bairns 5-0 at Tynecastle.

Goals from Paul Hartley, Calum Elliot (2), Rudi Skacel and Michal Pospisil gave the home side their biggest win in the league in almost five years and left Scotland star Pressley purring with pleasure.

"It was a very satisfying result and we're delighted for the manager," he said.

"We have been desperately wanting to put that type of performance together. That win was for the boss. We are 100 per cent behind the manager.

"He's only been here for a few games and it does take time. George Burley came in and got a fantastic response from the players and a tremendous set of results.

"But it takes time when a new manager comes in and we're confident he'll get it right.

"We are really delighted and it was very encouraging to see the fans get right behind the team and the manager yesterday."

He added: "I'm also delighted for the supporters who continue to come out in their numbers.

"It was a great day all round and with other results going our way it's been a good Christmas for ourselves."

Elliot dedicated his first goals for the club to his family.

The teenager smashed a glory double in victory to keep his side four points behind SPL pacesetters Celtic.

It was the first time the 18-year-old had found the back of the net in 19 matches since breaking into the first team and he was quick to pay tribute to the support he has received from dad Willie, mum Sheila and Ross and Kirstin, his brother and sister.

"They have been the biggest influence on me and go to most of the games," he said.

Rix, meanwhile, confirmed his interest in former Portuguese Under-21 international Bruno Aguiar.

The 24-year-old midfielder is currently out of favour at Benfica and is set to arrive on trial at the club's Riccarton academy with a view to clinching a move during the January transfer window. "I would rather not say too much, but he is one of a number of targets we have," he said.

Romanov senior used yesterday's game to send a bizarre Christmas message to those he believes are driven by the Devil to ruin football. Writing in the match-day programme, the Lithuanian millionaire said:

"Even the most sacred places on this earth, the places that house the remains of Christ, are blighted by profiteers and money-grabbers. Likewise, in the football world, which is sacred for those who love football, there are also those - be they agents, journalists, jealous hangers-on or other wunderkinds - who seek to ruin all that is good about the game.

"But it is the Devil that is driving them forward and they are not going to stop. All that will remain for me is to step aside and bid them farewell on their road to Hell."

Taken from the Scotsman