VAL HAPPY TO TAKE ON HERO PAUL

HEARTS boss Valdas Ivanauskas wants to dent the reputation of one of the coaches he admires most in football.

Ivanauskas reckons Rangers pulled off a remarkable coup on behalf of the Scottish game when they lured Paul Le Guen to Ibrox after three glory-laden years at Lyon.

However, the Rangers Revolution has yet to gather momentum and storm the SPL after only one win and two draws from their opening three fixtures.

It is a sign of the changing times in Scottish football that Hearts were booed off the pitch at Tynecastle last week after a goalless draw against Falkirk, even though they moved to the top of the table.

Ivanauskas is determined to retain that position this afternoon as the Jambos, who could be boosted by the return of Paul Hartley, bid to provoke further grumbles of discontent - this time in Govan.

Ivanauskas said: "I have not had the opportunity to meet Le Guen before but Ihave enormous respect for him after his time at Lyon.

"Everyone has their own circle of coaches they admire in the game and Le Guen has great skills. It's to the benefit of the Scottish game he is here.

"I don't know if this is the right time to meet Rangers or not - we will know that answer after the game.

"However, like any other manager of any other team he needs time to work out the tactics and vision for his team.

This takes time to develop. We go to Ibrox with the confidence of being first in the league but these games are always special. We have three points to win but the experience in matches is sometimes more vital, even if you don't take a victory.

"I know the fans were unhappy last week. They expect us to win and so do we but it was a hard game."

Hartley's return from a groin injury is a boost to the Jambos, not just with Rangers in mind, but also ahead of their Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens next week.

Hartley played 45 minutes of a closeddoor friendly against Gretna on Tuesday and will be joined in the squad by new boy Marius Zaliukas. Ivanauskas said: "It would be difficult for Paul to play 90 minutes against Rangers but he's in the squad. It's good news for the team that he is back but we'll talk it over with Paul and the physio.

"If a player says he's fit to play it means he feels ready within himself but I also need to look at the situation from a manager's point of view."

Zaliukas, a defensive midfielder from FBK Kaunas, is the fifth Lithuanian to sign for Hearts, with another two being lined up before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

But Ivanauskas denies he's in danger of turning Tynecastle into a fiefdom of Vladimir Romanov's countrymen.

The coach said: "Obviously this question arises when a number of players arrive from one country. Last season it was because of the number of Czechs. I know all about the mentality of the Lithuanian players and they can work really well together with the Scots.

"Hearts are a very special team and we have a lot of quality Scottish players in our side with lots of character and the Lithuanians add to that.

"I know the mentality of Lithuanians and Russians and the old socialist system because I grew up with it.

"I'm not saying the mentality is better than any other country but it's about understanding it and finding things that are beneficial to the club."

Zaliukas, 20, played as a trialist for Hearts last month against Osasuna and is delighted finally to be a Jambo.

He said: "I was very nervous about playing that game and really wanted to return because this is my big chance.

"I hope to win a place in this Hearts team and make an impact."

Ivanauskas revealed talks will be ongoing with Julien Brellier after he knocked back a new contract offer from Hearts a fortnight ago, as revealed by Record Sport.

Ivanauskas said: "Julien was an important player last season and has also been important for us this season.

"The campaign is long and we should not be discussing contract issues just now. The months ahead will show what is to come."

Ivanauskas also dismissed criticism from former midfielder Lee Johnson, who labelled him a Romanov "puppet" this week.

Ivanauskas added: "Players leave clubs for different reasons and depart with different reactions. We wish him all the best with his new club."

Taken from the Daily Record