VALDAS TELLS CRITICS: LAY OFF BREW

HEARTS boss Valdas Ivanauskas has slammed Craig Brewster's critics and insists his opposite number will get it right at Dundee United.

The Tannadice side have a shocking record of two SPL wins since Brewster took over but Ivanauskas leapt to his defence on the day they ill go head-to-head.

Ivanauskas can relate to Brewster's situation with constant speculation over his own position at Tynecastle. Hearts are also desperate for three points this afternoon to get back on track after crashing out of the UEFA Cup on Thursday.

Ivanauskas said: "Dundee United are struggling but Craig Brewster is a fine manager.

"Craig did a great job at Inverness Caley. It's better if everyone leaves him to do his work and I'm sure the results will come for them.

"I've met Craig several times after matches and there is sympathy between us. I respect him as a manager and as a person.

"But for us the main target is to get three points from this game."

Ivanauskas had some pressure taken away after hearing his job was safe before Hearts' UEFA Cup second leg clash with Sparta Prague.

And he said: "There always will be pressure but it was good to read in the papers that I was safe.

"The home defeat to Sparta was the lowest but I hope the hardest part has been overcome."

Taken from the Sunday Mail