Hearts sweat over fitness of duo after Alloa crushed

HEARTS were today hoping that their 4-0 CIS Cup demolition of Alloa did not come at a cost with Mirsad Beslija and Christos Karipidis awaiting diagnosis on injuries.

Beslija suffered a suspected dislocated jaw in a physical first half at Recreation Park, whilst Karipidis' left knee appeared to twist awkwardly as he stretched for the ball just before half-time. The Greek was immediately withdrawn and replaced by young defender Alan Lithgow.

Both players were due to report to Riccarton today to have their injuries assessed ahead of the weekend trip to Aberdeen. Beslija will require an X-ray to determine whether a bone has been fractured and the Hearts medical staff will assess the overnight reaction in Karipidis' knee.

"Mirsad and Christos will be looked at today to see the extent of the injuries," said a club spokesperson. "We don't think Mirsad's jaw is broken but it is certainly painful, and Christos' knee injury will be looked at by the doctor."

Striker Juho Makela scored an impressive hat-trick as Hearts progressed to the fourth round, but he could now find himself dropped from the side for Sunday's trip to the north-east.

The 23-year-old Finn executed the perfect treble against the Second Division's bottom club, scoring with his head and both feet as Hearts emerged comfortable winners.

However, his first start since his £500,000 move from HJK Helsinki back in January is likely to precede another afternoon on the bench at Pittodrie after Valdas Ivanauskas took a non-committal stance when questioned on the possibility of Makela keeping his place in the team.

"Juho did well, but we have four days," he said. "It is good for strikers to score, especially their self-confidence. Strikers must score goals but I am also looking at how they are working during the game to get these goals.

"The quality in the two teams was different last night but if a game stays at 0-0 for a long time then it becomes not easy.

"We wanted to win the game and I could see that from the players. They worked hard and played a good, professional game."

Alloa manager Allan Maitland accepted that his side had been eliminated from the cup by a superior team, although he did admit to a grievance over full-back Chris Townsley's late dismissal by referee Charlie Richmond.

"We were beaten by a better team, it's as simple as that," said Maitland.

"We started the second half looking to pick up and within two minutes we were 2-0 down. It's hard enough playing against an SPL team without getting a man sent off.

"I thought Townsley was unlucky. Charlie didn't have to send him off, and when the third goal goes in that's you dead. But I thought my players lasted the pace well."

Taken from the Scotsman