Rix: Watching Gers win ws not a video nasty

GRAHAM RIX intends to recreate September's destruction of Rangers at Tynecastle tomorrow after watching the match on DVD for the first time.

The Hearts head coach acquainted himself with life in Gorgie prior to his arrival yesterday by watching Roman Bednar's powerful header secure a 1-0 victory for Hearts over Alex McLeish's side in the early weeks of the season.

Rix was impressed and will now request a repeat performance from his squad against the same opponents tomorrow when Hearts' Champions League intentions are put on the line.

"I've had a look at that match and our game at Ibrox, where I thought we were poor," said the Englishman. "I had been told by a few people that the players were outstanding against Rangers at Tynecastle so I hope they are so again tomorrow.

"I'm looking forward to this match. The players understand what a big occasion this is for the club because we have had such a great season and we want it to continue.

"It's important but the pressure is on both teams, not only Hearts."

Rix is certain to have Steven Pressley back as captain alongside Andy Webster in central defence after the Scotland international overcame a persistent virus to train most of the week.

Rudi Skacel, Hearts' top goalscorer, also has a strong chance of assuming his favoured left-midfield slot, although Edgaras Jankauskas will be assessed tomorrow morning before Rix confirms his team selection.

Rix went on: "Rudi has been doing ball work, albeit with Tom Ritchie in rehab. He's worked hard and put some good sessions in so we'll see if he has any reaction before the match.

"Elvis worked hard and has done a fair bit of running. If they are right then they're going to play but we have been taking it day by day until now. Jankauskas is the same, although he's training we have to wait and see how he is.

"He has done part of the training with the first-team boys and he is improving. Day by day we have been giving them all more things to do and then the next day we see if there is any reaction to it.

"If there isn't, we take them on a step further. I think they all have a good chance of being available as they have looked fine so far. We are certainly hopeful and for Elvis to play is always important because he is my leader and organiser on the pitch."

Should Jankauskas declare himself fit, Rix will be faced with the conundrum of putting three more than able bodies into two attacking positions.

Czech ace Roman Bednar and Scots teenager Calum Elliot are also close contenders to start up front.

The head coach, however, will embrace decision time as readily as he does every week. "I might play all three strikers," said Rix with a wry laugh. It's a welcome problem for me to have and one that you want because you only get that with a big squad. Boys are going to be disappointed because they aren't playing. That's football and that's my job."

Rix also has the comfort of the returning Julien Brellier against Rangers. The Frenchman has sat out three games in total since his red card for a moment of rashness at Tannadice last month, which he concedes was "my mistake".

To curb Brellier's natural aggression and enthusiasm, however, would rob Hearts of a vital component of their midfield.

"I need him to play how he does," continued Rix. "I'm not going to stop him trying to tackle because that is a major part of his game. I don't want him to get booked for silly incidents like kicking the ball away or not retreating ten yards.

"But that's the sort of player Julien is and he does a great job for me, week in, week out. I'm delighted he is back tomorrow because we miss Julien when he isn't playing."

Taken from the Scotsman