VALDAS IVANAUSKAS is hoping player power can help convince club owner Vladimir Romanov to hand him the role of Hearts head coach on a permanent basis.

The former Hamburg striker has proved a popular choice since his temporary appointment following the sacking of Graham Rix last month, with key players, including club captain Steven Pressley and midfielder Paul Hartley, publicly throwing their weight behind the Lithuanian.

Coinciding with Ivanuskas' appointment, Hearts have lost just one goal in their last four games and the Tynecastle side have returned to the free-flowing football and confidence of early season.

Ivanauskas is also hoping to strengthen his standing by adding the Scottish Cup and a place in the Champions League qualifiers to his cv over the coming weeks.

Romanov appeared to rule Ivanauskas out of the running earlier this month but, with growing support from both players and supporters, he may now have to consider a U-turn.

And Ivanauskas insists he is more than ready for the challenge.

He said: "It is good to hear positive things from the players, not only Paul, they understand how I work and I hope they enjoy working with me.

"I have been working here for a while, not only now as head coach, but also before when I was assistant coach with the other managers. I amenjoying my time with Hearts and if Mr Romanov asked me to take the job then I am ready for it. The last word will go to Mr Romanov but I hope that he will listen to the opinion of the players."

Meanwhile, Ivanauskas moved to reassure Hearts supporters as fresh reports emerged suggesting Celtic would launch another bid to take Hartley to Parkhead after Bulgarian midfielder Stilian Petrov handed in a transfer request. Ivanauskas said: "If I am manager of Hearts then there is no chance Paul Hartley will go, he will play here."

Ivanauskas also believes central defender Andy Webster will stay with the club despite suggestions of a contract dispute.

Webster has been left out of recent games amid reports Romanov is unhappy at his reluctance to sign an extension to his deal. But Ivanauskas insisted: "There is no contract situation. I think Andy can have a big future here."

Taken from the Scotsman