Rix looks at Barasa in bid to bolster squad

HEARTS boss Graham Rix today admitted he's interested in signing Lithuanian internationalist Nerijus Barasa.

The 24-times capped defender has set his sights on winning a move to the title-chasing Jambos after jetting into the Capital for a week's trial.

Barasa, who comes recommended by Rix's Lithuanian lieutenant Valdas Ivanauskas, trained with the first-team squad for the first time at their Riccarton academy yesterday.

The stopper, who plays for Russian side Kryla Sovetov Samara, won't be the only new face at Hearts in the coming weeks, with Rix keen to run the rule over a number of possible signing targets.

"He's a lad we're looking at but we won't be rushing into anything," said the head coach.

"We want to make sure they are the right people. Valdas knows him well and we'll have a look at him for a few days.

"We have to make sure that the people who come in are not only good footballers but good guys as well."

The Gorgie chief, meanwhile, has urged his players to demonstrate they are championship material by defeating Celtic on New Year's Day.

Gordon Strachan brings his table-topping Parkhead side to Tynecastle on Sunday for a game which is destined to have a major say in this season's title race.

The Hoops currently sit four points clear of Hearts at the summit of the SPL, with Rix determined to continue the good form shown in the 5-0 hammering of Falkirk on Boxing Day.

"We have set the standard now and we talked yesterday about, if they do the right things properly, the rewards they can get.

"I want a good result and a good performance and we have to move on from what we did on Monday and show we'll be there to the end. We will be, I'm sure."

Rix and his players were in jubilant mood after reversing a run of poor performances with the stylish victory over the Bairns and he wants the team to use the stunning display as a catalyst for a strong second half to the season.

"We have been searching for a display like that and against Falkirk we got it," he said.

"I knew it would be just a matter of time but we have to try to use it as a springboard now.

"I could see the confidence flooding back and we played some exciting stuff on Monday.

"We needed that victory and we have another big game on Sunday. Celtic are a good team and we respect them. But we should be brimful of confidence and self belief so it will be a tough game for them as well."

While delighted at the five-goal salvo which sank John Hughes' side, the Hearts boss was also pleased with the work of his men at the back.

"I thought the clean sheet was very important," he said.

"We were 3-0 up at half-time and I told the players that a clean sheet was the priority.

"We worked very hard defensively but we also created at the other end which was very pleasing and we have to keep that going.

"I'm looking forward to meeting Gordon (Strachan). I know him from my time at Chelsea and he was at Coventry and also played against him a lot of times for Arsenal when he was at Man United. He's a good lad, I like him."

Taken from the Scotsman