Rix hails the team he used to manage

FORMER Hearts boss Graham Rix today said he was delighted to see the Tynecastle club reach the Tennent's Scottish Cup final.

Rix was sacked by the club last month, with Valdas Ivanauskas appointed interim first-team coach until the end of the season.

Rix appeared to have the backing of his players at the time of his departure, while rumours persisted that owner Vladimir Romanov often selected the squad ahead of the former England internationalist.

But, despite his ousting and all the drama behind the scenes at the club, Rix was still pleased with their 4-0 defeat of Hibs to set up a clash with giant-killers Gretna in the final.

"I was relaxed watching the game. I wanted them to win and I'm absolutely delighted for the guys, because they've had so much to contend with throughout this season," Rix said.

Hearts still have the carrot of a Champions League place to win and the former Arsenal midfielder believes the players he left behind have genuine quality to achieve their goals.

"I think it's a strong team. They've got power up front, they've got a great back four and, in Paul Hartley, they have a midfield dynamo who is a likely match-winner," he added.

Ex-Scotland internationalist Charlie Nicholas believes Rix was unfortunate to lose his job.

"All the other stuff that Graham came into was a very unfair situation. But he handled it and took it on the chin," he said.

"These burdens are sent to test you, and at the end of the day the response from the players was very positive about him."

Taken from the Scotsman