NO TYNE LIKE THE PRESENT FOR TAKIS

HEARTS star Takis Fyssas has told Vladimir Romanov to give him a month off - then deal him in at Tynecastle for good.

The Gorgie favourite has a year left on his Jambos contract and interested clubs are already trying to tempt his agent with notes of interest.

But Greek full-back Fyssas, 32, is not interested in playing for any other club at this stage.

However, the European champion needs a holiday, after playing non-stop for the past two years.

But as most Hearts stars head off for a summer break, Fysass is flying Down Under this week with his national team to play a couple of exhibition matches.

However, he admits he will be happy to speak with Romanov on his return about acontract that will keep him at the club for good.

Former Benfica star Fyssas said: "I've still got a season to go on my existing contract and then we'll see what happens, but I'm not afraid to say I want to stay longer with Hearts.

"My manager tells me I already have some proposals from other clubs but I want to speak first with our president and if he wants I will stay longer.

"When I won the cup in Portugal two years ago I was very happy as the club had gone eight years without a trophy, but here I feel much more at home.

"Now I have to go to Australia until May 27 and play two games for my country and you will see an even better Takis for Hearts next season.

"Gretna were just like Greece on Saturday. I know, from my own experience with my country, that when you're part of a smaller team you don't carry as much stress or pressure.

"If you are favourites then all the time you are thinking about how you must win and how many goals you must score.

"If the underdog is defeated they lose nothing and you saw that with Gretna who were so happy because they tried their best."

Taken from the Daily Record