VALDAS THE TINKERMANPICK

YALDAS IVANAUSKAS last night warned his players he is ready to become Hearts' answer to the Tinkerman as his side go for glory on four fronts.

The Lithuanian head coach revealed he will use a rotation system which was made famous by Claudio Ranieri - who was dubbed the Tinkerman during his reign as Chelsea manager.

Ranieri introduced the system in a bid to keep his side fresh - and Ivanauskas will copy the Italian as his players gear up for battle at home and in Europe.

Ivanauskas said: "Rotation is a good thing and we will use it in the first team next season.

"In order to employ it successfully we need a certain standard of player so they can be easily slotted in and out of the team.

"The players will have to change their mentality even if they are unhappy with the rotation system.

"I feel it is necessary because I have counted five competitions that players will play in next season.

"We have the Champions League, the SPL, two cup competitions and international football so that requires a lot of players.

"That is why rotation is necessary at a club like Hearts."

Ivanauskas has been charged with the unenviable quest of succeeding at home and abroad by demanding Jambos owner Vladimir Romanov.

And he is still hopeful that millionaire Romanov splashes the cash to help him make quality additions to the Jambos squad.

Ivanauskas said: "The quality of the competition in the SPL and Champions League will be high and we must be ready for both.

"There is a necessity to have a big squad with the potential to exchange players. We want to bring in quality players and I stress they must be quality players.

"Mr Romanov understands the seriousness of the new season but we have not signed any new players yet.

"We are trying to bring in quality players who will be here for the future and not just one season.

"I want to bring players here that will fit into the team and when this is done then I will be happy.

"The situation is that everybody expects results and I understand that."

Hearts defender Robbie Neilson admits the rotation system is a new concept to him but insists it is necessary if they are to achieve success at home and abroad.

Neilson said: "The coach has not spoken about a rotation system but we have a massive squad anyway and it will be hard to keep everybody happy.

"If a rotation system is the way to do things then that is what we have to do.

"We have a hectic start to the season with our Champions League qualifiers and we then face both Old Firm sides within the first four weeks of the season.

"It is a measure of just how much progress we have made that we are talking about Hearts trying to juggle with the rigorous demands of Champions League and SPL football. It is important that players get a rest during the season and some weeks players might welcome a break.

"If we are playing big games every week then the fatigue should not play such a big part.

"We will be chasing success in many tournaments next season.

"Obviously players want to play every week but a rotation system might be beneficial if we are to progress in all these tournaments."

Neilson insists Hearts are not scared of the expectation weighing down on their shoulders this season.

He said: "Last season was a rollerco aster for the club but this season teams will be happy to sit in and get a draw against us.

"The expectation is high and it is up t o us to produce the goods. This is a great opportunity for the players and the club."

The Jambos, returned from their 10-day training camp in Austria undefeated after three friendlies and face Championship side Preston at Deepdale today.

Neilson said: "We had three difficult games in Austria and Preston will be the same.

"They play at a very high standard in the English Championship and this should be a good match for us ahead of the Champions League qualifiers."

Ivanauskas is delighted with the way preparations have gone and said: "I was very happy with how the players treated both the pre-season camps in France and Austria."

Taken from the Daily Record