Roman boost hailed by Rix

HEARTS boss Graham Rix today hailed the return to action of Czech striker Roman Bednar.

The 22-year-old has not featured in the first team since December 17 due to a knee injury but is set to be named on the bench for tomorrow's clash with Motherwell at Tynecastle.

"Bednar has trained all week and looked good. That gives me a boost never mind the fans," said Rix.

Despite not having featured in a reserve game yet, Bednar has shown marked improvement in his physical condition in training this week.

Since he has been out, the Jambos have fallen off the pace somewhat in the race for the SPL championship and his return will provide them with a huge boost.

"We have be careful with him because I don't want him coming back and playing 20 minutes and then being out again for six weeks. We can't afford that," said Rix.

"He has looked really sharp and strong so I'm pleased. He is a big addition to the squad."

Rix also welcomes Edgaras Jankauskas back into his 18-man squad after a five-week absence. The Lithuanian internationalist played 45 minutes for Hearts reserves against Aberdeen in midweek and has now overcome his hamstring problems.

Rix added: "Jankauskas did okay on Tuesday and we know what we will get from him. He has worked hard with the physios this week and it will be great to have him back.

"Julien Brellier had a little dead leg but it's nothing really, and other than that we have a strong squad for tomorrow."

Lee Johnson is expected to replace the suspended Paul Hartley in midfield, Jose Goncalves still has a groin problem but Chris Hackett, Juho Makela and Mirsad Beslija have not been included in Rix's squad.

Long-term injured Neil McCann, Nerijus Barasa and Samuel Camazzola are also not yet sufficiently fit to return to the squad, although they should be ready inside the next two weeks.

Rix said of his squad: "It wasn't a great week last week in many ways but we have concentrated on getting the guys together and playing with a smile on their faces.

"We are still in there and we have a hell of a lot to play for this season, and I think the boys realise that.

"Motherwell work hard, they are well organised, they pressure you all over the pitch no matter who is on the ball, so we know what to expect. I thought we did okay through there last time under the circumstances.

"I played with one striker and we defended okay and drew 1-1. I don't think they really had us in any trouble but, tomorrow, we have to take the game to them and that might suit them a little more."

Taken from the Scotsman