ROSS RAP FOR RUDE RUDI

By Chris Roberts, PA Sport

Falkirk defender Jack Ross has accused Hearts star Rudi Skacel of mouthing off at their opponents following their 2-1 victory.

The Tynecastle frontman was at the centre of a storm after trying to spark a reaction from the Bairns with boasts about his own team.

Skacel was on a high after Edgaras Jankauskis had scored a fortunate late winner at the Falkirk Stadium after Alan Gow had cancelled out Paul Hartley's opener.

The win keeps Hearts eight six points clear of Rangers in third place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League and on course for the Champions League.

Ross said: "I was in the dressing room quite early but he had a couple of things to say when I was warming down.

"I am a great believer in once the 90 minutes is up and you cross that white line you forget about what happened on the park.

"People are completely different characters on and off the park and to keep it going that way says a lot about him.

"Takis Fyssas is a good player and a good professional but we know this week (Neil Lennon accused of bragging about his wealth by Dunfermline) that things like that go on in games.

"But as soon as the final whistle goes that's it and that's how it should be.

"Some people win with dignity and you expect that from good players."

Ross revealed that he spoke to Skacel, claiming he had been diving.

He added: "I asked him why he kept going down so easily.

"I've seen pictures of him and he is well built and a strong boy so I asked him why he can't stand up against strong players.

"I don't think he understood me but that's a different kind of football.

"Perhaps the longer they stay in the British game the better they will become.

"You have seen players coming to this country and to England and getting a reputation."

Falkirk boss John Hughes attempted to play down the incident.

He joked: "I never saw anything but I don't do verbals - I do physical."

But Hearts' interim manager Valdas Ivanauskas admits Steven Pressley is a doubt for next Sunday's Tennent's Scottish Cup semi-final with Hibernian after being injured during the bad-tempered game.

The skipper had to have three stitches in a head wound which forced him out of the second half.

And Ivanauskas conceded his inspirational defender could be absent at Hampden Park.

"He's a big man and has a big future for us," said the Lithuanian.

"But I don't have a good feeling now for next week but we'll see.

"He had some stitches in a head wound but you'll have to ask the doctor how many stitches he had.

"Robbie Neilson hurt his ankle but he will be ready for next Sunday."

But Scotland international team-mate Andy Webster should be back for the all-Edinburgh clash following a stomach bug.

"I knew two days ago they were not so good," added Ivanauskas.

"He had a stomach bug but he is an important player for us so I decided to leave him out for this game."

Taken from sportinglife.com