Ivanauskas could keep Hearts job

The Lithuanian careteker has secured second place in the SPL.

And Romanov said: "Valdas has a big chance now, I will say that. At the moment, he is bringing us a lot of luck and is doing very well.

"For the Champions League, maybe we need someone with more experience, but we'll see how we go with Valdas."

Ivanuaskas says he will talk to the club about his future after next week's Scottish Cup final, but several players have already given him their backing.

His hopes of taking charge permanently had been talked down when he was appointed interim boss after Graham Rix was sacked.

Owner Vladimir Romanov had feared they would lose second spot to Rangers under Rix, but they held on under Ivanauskas to claim the second Champions League qualification spot behind Celtic.

If Andy Webster wants to go on the transfer list then that is what we will do
Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov

And the Russian businessman has launched a scathing attack on the on the Englishman and axed director of football Jim Duffy.

"I've given my coaches full control of the team, full rights, and then the games have been lost," Romanov told The Herald despite continued reports that he exerts influence on team selection.

"The only question I'm asking of my coaches all the time is: 'Show me the analysis. Show me the rationale'.

"But never once have I received an answer to those questions.

"It seemed to me that my driver back in Kaunas could have done a better job than Rix and Duffy."

Romanov also claimed that Andy Webster's agent, Charlie Duddy, could cost the Scotland international a new contract with Hearts.

Webster was 'rested' for several games before picking up an Achilles injury in training and Romanov added: "In terms of my regard for Andy Webster, I think he and Steven Pressley are the best defensive pairing in Scotland.

"Andy is a fine player, but there is just one problem: his agent.

"I don't think we will be extending Webster's contract while he is being represented by this person.

"Andy wants to play for Hearts, but he is also being influenced by his agent.

"There are manipulations, machinations and tricks that are being played. The agent is playing cheap tricks.

"Andy has a year left on his contract. If he wants to go on the transfer list then that is what we will do.

"My philosophy is as soon as a player says he wants to move on then I try to accede to his wishes."

Taken from the BBC