AGUIAR BACKS IVANAUSKAS

Hearts midfielder Bruno Aguiar has become the latest player to throw his weight behind Valdas Ivanauskas for the manager's job on a permanent basis.

The hard-working Portuguese playmaker believes Ivanauskas is the man to take the club into the Champions League group stages after masterminding an impressive six wins out of eight since taking over from Graham Rix.

Vice captain and inspirational midfielder Paul Hartley has also called for Ivanauskas to be handed the reins for next term as the club seek stability following the sackings of George Burley and Rix.

Club owner Vladimir Romanov initially indicated Ivanauskas' inexperience meant he would not be considered for the position but it now appears the Lithuanian has changed his stance over his countryman.

And with Aguiar- who is set to feature against Rangers on Sunday in the final game of the season - backing the current temporary manager, Romanov could be ready to heed the players' wishes.

Aguiar said: "In football this is normal to go through managers.

"At Benfica it happened sometimes and we have to be prepared for this.

"If the coach goes we just train as normal. It's not a big difference, we just try all the time.

"But Valdas does the training here well and I would like to see him here.

"This is one of the best times of my career."

Aguiar joined the Tynecastle side in January from Benfica and has played a key role in securing second place in the SPL and a Champions League qualifying berth.

The 23-year-old has already experienced playing in Europe's premier competition but was left disappointed when the Portuguese giants failed to make it through to the group stages.

And with Hearts now in with a chance of negotiating their way through the qualifying rounds, Aguiar does not want to go through that heartache again.

He added: "I played against Anderlecht in the Champions League in the qualification games last year but did not proceed to play in the groups.

"I have had this kind of experience.

"I don't want to experience this disappointment again and I am going to be happy after the summer for sure.

"This year I hope it won't happen, I have confidence for me and the team."

Taken from sportinglife.com