Vlad's lads are lacking quality

alison mcconnell

HEARTS owner Vladimir Romanov unsurprisingly had his pop at the Glasgow media before Saturday's trip to Ibrox.

But it's worth noting that the Lithuanian was left muted after another inept display from his side.

In the last 26 visits Hearts have made to Parkhead or Ibrox, they have left with maximum points just twice, yet that hasn't stopped Romanov from spouting about "enjoying every victory there" or having a go at the "Glasgow media puppets attempting to disgrace his club."

The fact is, on this evidence, Hearts are nowhere near title contenders. They aren't even anything near as driven and energetic a team as they were last season - and the loss of Rudi Skacel looms large over the Tynecastle club.

They went into Saturday's game on the back of two draws and the manner of their defeat to Paul Le Guen's side suggests there is no chance of them following up last season's display when they split the Old Firm.

"We started the second half in a very soft way and that's why we lost the game," said boss Valdas Ivanauskas. "Losing concentration the way we did is not the correct way to play.

"I was frustrated at the start of the second half. When Rangers scored their first, it was not easy for us.

"Unfortunately, for their second goal, we failed to concentrate in defence. Playing three strikers failed.

"It was tough and I think the players were frustrated."

Curiously, after revealing that Calum Elliot will be allowed to go out on loan this season - Motherwell and Falkirk are interested - the player started the game at Ibrox.

He was ineffectual, but, if Hearts find themselves out of the Champions League after Wednesday's trip to Greece to play AEK Athens, there's every chance Ivanauskas will be told by Romanov that he is also surplus to requirements.

Taken from Evening Times