Rix sweats over fitness of Mikoliunas for Killie clash

HEARTS boss Graham Rix faces an anxious wait over the fitness of midfielder Saulius Mikoliunas ahead of Kilmarnock's visit in the Tennent's Scottish Cup this weekend.

The Lithuanian internationalist has not featured for the Jambos since being sent off against Rangers last month with suspension and ankle ligament damage ruling him out of subsequent matches.

The on-loan Kaunas star has yet to return to full-training and with Brazilian Sammy Camazzola already ruled out with a "hot spot" which indicated he might be susceptible to a stress fracture the Jambos are short on options for the right hand side of midfield.

Deividas Cesnauskis is the only player fit that is naturally suited to that position and the Capital club are keen to have as much competition as possible when they welcome Jim Jefferies' on-form team.

"Saul has been having treatment for the last couple of days after taking a knock to his ankle in the middle of last week," said coach John McGlynn.

"He is struggling at the moment but he still has a chance of making the game. We don't have a lot of options in that area, to be honest, so with a bit of luck he will make it."

Better news for the Jambos is that skipper Steven Pressley will definitely line up against the Ayrshire side.

Pressley was the subject of a heavy tackle from Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon during last Sunday's 3-2 defeat by the Glasgow giants and needed lengthy treatment before he was able to continue.

The Scotland internationalist still looked as though he was in some discomfort in the remainder of the clash but McGlynn confirmed that the influential defender would be fit to take part.

"Elvis will be fine," he said. "He took a sore one but after a couple of days off he'll be fine for Saturday which is good news."

Meanwhile, McGlynn revealed that the Tynecastle outfit would name as strong a starting XI as is available to them.

Earlier in the season former boss George Burley named a second string against Livingston at Almondvale in the CIS Cup, a game which the visitors lost 1-0.

However, the Gorgie club will not field a weakened side this weekend.

"The Scottish Cup is the big cup and it's the one the fans want us to have a wee run in so we will put out our full side against Kilmarnock," he said.

"You have to remember that it is also an avenue into Europe so we will be treating the competition and Kilmarnock with the respect they deserve."

Taken from the Scotsman