Michal: squad feeling strain

MICHAL POSPISIL conceded today that the Hearts players are feeling the tension ahead of tomorrow's league meeting with Aberdeen due to the turmoil which has engulfed the club.

The Czech striker was present on Tuesday when head coach Graham Rix informed the squad that club owner Vladimir Romanov was now picking the Hearts team ahead of him.

Since then there has been relentless scrutiny placed upon Rix and the players with Romanov now set to hold critical talks with senior members of the side after the Dons clash.

Pospisil has toiled to free himself from the strain, and admits that focusing solely on tomorrow's game is impossible.

He said: "It has been a hectic week for us and there are things in the newspapers about the club, so it is difficult for us both psychologically and physically.

"We are thinking about the situation at the club just now - what happened, who will be playing. The manager has many choices and all the players are thinking about it.

"Now we will have to wait and see what happens tomorrow, whether there will be some more changes or if the team will stay the same. I will just try to work hard and wait to hear what the team is."

Pospisil endorsed Steven Pressley's praise for Rix during an impossible situation for the Englishman, who has been undermined by his employer but has admitted he will not walk out on Hearts.

"We have a lot of players and the manager is preparing us very well for tomorrow," said Pospisil. "Come the game everybody has to concentrate on playing against Aberdeen and be looking to win three points."

Rix also admitted that he would seek his own talks with Romanov prior to tomorrow's match, saying: "I am in contact with him all the time and I'm sure we'll be speaking when he gets here."

Recent signing Chris Hackett is available for selection tomorrow after an ankle injury, while strike pairing Edgaras Jankauskas and Roman Bednar are close to a first-team return.

"We are not far away from a clean bill of health and training has been buzzing," said Rix. "Neil McCann and Barasa are definitely out. Edgaras and Roman are training with the first team although tomorrow will likely be too early for them.

"Hackett trained this week and we will see how he is tomorrow whether he is available or not. Mirsad Beslija's knee is fine and although Jose Goncalves has a groin problem it's not giving us major concern. The lads have shown great character this week especially on Tuesday night against Dundee United, and I don't expect anything different against Aberdeen. I've no fears."

Meanwhile, Dundee United have revealed they will not report Rudi Skacel to the SFA for allegedly spitting at Tannadice defender Stuart Duff during Tuesday night's league match.

Television cameras missed the incident and United's decision means Skacel no longer faces the threat of a two-match ban.

Taken from the Scotsman