Beslija poised for return Killie clash

MIRSAD BESLIJA is expected to replace the under-fire Saulius Mikoliunas on Hearts' right flank when Kilmarnock visit Tynecastle this Saturday.

Head coach Valdas Ivanauskas has endorsed the professionalism of his Bosnian winger, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance in the club's last home match, the 4-0 destruction of Dundee United.

Supporters were shocked to see Beslija relegated to the substitutes' bench for the Edinburgh derby, however, Ivanauskas is preparing to reinstate the record signing against Kilmarnock with Mikoliunas suspended after his red card against Hibs.

"Mirsad is very close to the first team and has a big chance to play from the start now," noted Ivanauskas. "He did well against Dundee United and I was pleased with him. He has been very professional. Every player is not happy when they haven't played for a long time but he has worked very hard this week to come back into the team."

Despite Andrius Velicka scoring twice in the 2-2 draw at Easter Road, Ivanauskas claims he cannot guarantee the Lithuanian a starting berth.

"Because we have so many strikers there are plenty options. For example, Roman Bednar has recovered from a cold and has looked good in training. Andrius has a good chance but we will discuss things today and tomorrow."

The news on Chilean striker Mauricio Pinilla is encouraging after scans revealed that the player's calf injury is not overly serious.

Ivanauskas explained: "The diagnosis is not too bad. There is no tear but there is a lot of blood in his calf. Our physios say he will be missing for two to three weeks."

Taken from the Scotsman