CES: BURLEY SQUEEZED ME OUT

DEIVIDAS CESNAUSKIS fired Hearts into the last four then insisted former Tynecastle boss George Burley froze him out of the first-team squad.

The Lithuanian international's goal against Partick Thistle was his first since hitting the net in last season's Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Celtic.

However, the midfielder defended his poor strike rate and insisted it was down to a lack of opportunities under Burley when he started just two of his 10 games in charge. He said: "When Burley was the manager I wasn't getting anywhere near the squad and I wasn't playing very often. Now I think Graham Rix trusts me more and I am doing better.

"Burley already had his squad in his mind and I wasn't a part of it. I felt like a stranger."

Cesnauskis's stunning individual goal kept alive the possibility of an all-Edinburgh final and he admits it meant more to him that his effort against Celtic at Hampden almost a year ago. He said: "Partick Thistle had lots of chances but they didn't take them. It's nice to score a goal and I'm happy.

"This goal was especially important because it won the game and took us into the last four. It would be nice to score again in the semi-final.

"It doesn't matter who we play now as we just have to win. Now we can lift the Cup and prove we are a strong team."

Hearts' quarter-final success was shown live in Lithuania after millionaire owner Vladimir Romanov shelled out thousands for the television rights to screen the match in his homeland.

However, while his family were glued to their TV sets Cesnauskis reckons viewing figures in his own country are unlikely to soar despite the big Lithuanian contingent at Tynecastle.

He said: "My parents watched the game on television and called to congratulate me after the match.

"But in Lithuania football is not a very popular game. It is mostly basketball people are interested in.

"However, in Edinburgh I get recognised and Hearts fans follow me everywhere and want to shake my hand."

Cesnauskis was expected to report for international duty with Lithuania this week but won't be travelling after picking up a hamstring injury against Thistle.

Taken from the Daily Record