Hearts strike ace Elliot is too hot for his own good

HEARTS head coach Graham Rix today conceded that Calum Elliot's goalscoring exploits are making it impossible for him to be rested.

The 18-year-old has now scored six goals in his last seven games after a brace on Scotland under-21 duty against Iceland on Tuesday night, a game that was attended by Rix.

The Englishman has stated his desire to take Elliot out of the Hearts side in recent weeks to prevent the player from burning out, but his rich vein of form is denying him the chance for recuperation.

"Calum needs a rest but he is playing so well," said Rix. "I have to be very careful because he has proved he is an important part of the team. Leaving him out could have a negative effect.

"I watched him the other night for the Scotland Under-21s, and he was leading the line, closing down and scored two great goals. The kid is doing great and I'm pleased as punch for him. If he is scoring goals like he has been I'll keep him in the side."

Rix was expecting to conduct a head count prior to training this morning as the Hearts players filter back from international duty at various destinations across Europe.

Craig Gordon and Andy Webster are due back after Scotland's defeat by Switzerland, and after playing in Bosnia's friendly with Japan on Tuesday Mirsad Beslija could come into contention for Hearts at Livingston on Sunday.

Saulius Mikoliunas started in Lithuania's 2-1 victory over Albania in Tirana last night, Rudi Skacel played for the Czech Republic in their 3-1 loss to Turkey, whilst Takis Fyssas will not return until tomorrow from the Cyprus Football Association tournament, where Greece won both of their matches against Belarus and Kazakhstan. "Takis is a bit of a late one so obviously that affects our preparations even more for Sunday," added Rix. "He wasn't going to play in both games. He gets on very well with the Greek coach and asked if he could just play one match.

"A lot of the players have been away so it will be a case of assessing them all and deciding who is ready. With so many players away it is a nightmare for clubs. You just have to keep your fingers crossed that they get back in good shape.

"We haven't had time yet to do any preparing for Livingston this weekend. We started today with what we've got and obviously in the next couple of days we have to see who is fit, who is back looking fresh and who is appearing tired."

Taken from the Scotsman