Rix bemoans Hearts' worst display since his arrival

GRAHAM RIX today accused his Hearts players of delivering the worst performance of his tenure in the 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Danny Invincibile's 46th-minute strike proved too much for Hearts to overcome, their performance falling some way short of the heights reached in recent weeks.

Rix's frustration was only compounded by an injury to new signing Neil McCann early in the game. The Scotland winger tore medial ligaments in his knee during a collision with Kilmarnock's David Lilley and is likely to be missing for up to two months.

But, in the aftermath of defeat, Rix revealed his greatest sense of let-down since arriving at Tynecastle.

"It's the most disappointed I've felt since I took this job. We've played some fantastic stuff over the last few weeks, and to go to Kilmarnock on a great surface and simply not perform is really frustrating.

"The big thing is we have to react as quick as possible and get back on track.

"We were nowhere near determined enough, despite speaking about that all week. We missed Rudi Skacel and Steven Pressley because they are good players. Christophe Berra did his bit but McCann coming in was a boost and then a blow because we lost him.

"Even before Neil went off I could sense that we weren't in it. The players have to realise they're a big scalp, people want to beat them and they are there to be shot at. They won't get an easy game anywhere this season. They have to be ready."

Rix is certain to widen his search for a striker given the lack of potency displayed by Hearts at Rugby Park. The Englishman lost out on Neil Mellor last week when he opted for a loan move to Wigan, but recognises that further attacking options are essential.

"I can't remember Craig Gordon having too many saves to make and I certainly can't remember their goalkeeper having too many saves to make.

"We just lacked that thrust in and around the box. It's frustrating to say the least.

"I asked the players after the game: 'What have we done different this week?' The answer is absolutely nothing, yet little things sow that seed of doubt in their minds and they have to get over it and be strong and tough.

"If you don't get off to a flyer you have to be able to play your way through it."

On McCann's injury, Rix added: "It was a fair tackle but he has opened his knee up and I feel sorry for him because he was busting a gut to play."

There are less than 1900 tickets remaining for the Scottish Cup tie with Aberdeen at Tynecastle on Saturday, February 4. Prices range from £10 to £25 and are currently being sold at the ticket office.

Meanwhile, Hearts reserves will take to the road to face Dundee United tomorrow.

Taken from the Scotsman