INVERNESS CT 0

HEARTS 0

OUTCAST Steven Pressley returned to lead Hearts but even he couldn't stop their miserable season taking another turn for the worse.

The Tynecastle skipper was axed two weeks ago after daring to speak out against owner Vladimir Romanov with fellow dressing-room rebels Craig Gordon and Paul Hartley

Pressley didn't featured in the draw at Falkirk or the home defeat by Rangers as his side's faint title hopes crumbled.

He finally returned for the trip to the Highlands but his presence couldn't stop two more precious points slipping away.

Caley Thistle had the better chances on a miserable afternoon and only another fine performance from Gordon kept the struggling Jambos in the game.

However, young defender Christophe Berra was pleased to see Pressley back in the side and hopes his return will kickstart a Tynecastle revival.

He said: "Steven's a great player - who wouldn't want him in their team?

"He gave us a boost and did a great job. I've learned a lot from him and it's good for the club that he's back."

With Hartley and Robbie Neilson also in the starting line-up it was the first time all four Scotland stars had played together since the CIS Cup quarter-final defeat by Hibs almost three weeks ago.

Perhaps Romanov was trying to rebuild bridges that had looked well and truly burned only days earlier.

The owner had flown to Edinburgh on Friday in an attempt to steady the sinking ship and took his place in the directors' box at the Caledonian Stadium.

He saw caretaker boss Eduard Malofeev fail to deliver a win at the sixth attempt and Valdas Ivanauskas will return to take over the managerial reins tomorrow.

Berra can't wait to work with Ivanauskas again and claims the gaffer's return from sick leave will give the squad a massive boost.

He said: "It's great Valdas is coming back because he's well respected by the players.

"He came on the coach on Friday before we went to Inverness and wished us good luck. Valdas said he would see us on Monday."

The decision to restore Pressley to the side - by either Romanov or Malofeev - was designed to appeal to the increasingly disgruntled Jambos faithful who chanted their captain's name early on.

And they almost had more to cheer after only 57 seconds when Saulius Mikoliunas released Hartley into the box but the midfielder's angled shot from 16 yards flew over.

Inverness slowly came into the game and Gordon had to look sharp to keep out Craig Dargo's superb volley.

The Scotland star then showed why he is one of the most sought-after keepers in Europe with an unbelievable stop to deny Barry Wilson.

Dargo knocked the ball to the midfielder and he unleashed a low drive that seemed destined for the net.

However, Gordon somehow got down and stuck out a hand to turn the ball wide.

At the other end Mikoliunas tested Mark Brown in the Caley Thistle goal.

Hearts survived another scare nine minutes before the break when Ross Tokely flicked a Wilson free-kick into the path of Dennis Wyness.

The former Jambos striker looked set to fire home the opener but Gordon (right) got down to save at his feet.

And as the half came to a close Inverness had two great chances to break the deadlock.

First Ian Black headed a Richard Hastings cross against the bar then Wyness fired another Hastings delivery over from six yards.

It took a while for the second half to get going but Takis Fyssas flashed a drive just wide for Hearts 10 minutes after the restart

Wyness then had a shot blocked by Julien Brellier after a mistake by Neilson.

The game was warming up and hot-headed Caley Thistle midfielder Black picked up his eighth booking in 11 games when he kicked the ball away.

Darren Dods did well to block a goalbound strike from Mikoliunas.

With three minutes left Hearts almost stole the points.

Hartley sent a delightful 20-yard volley towards the bottom corner but Brown threw himself across goal to

make a stunning save. Roy McBain also had a chance to win it for the Highlanders but got caught in two minds about whether to cross or shoot allowing relieved Gordon to eventually gather.

Inverness boss Charlie Christie said: "We went all out for the win and showed great endeavour.

"To peg Hearts back for so long was very pleasing for me."

REFWATCH

IAIN BRINES didn,t have much controversy to deal with but still ended up booking four players. However, all the yellow cards seemed merited and the players can't complain. A solid performance from the ref. Rating: 7/10.

MATCH STATS

SHOTS ON 2

SHOTS OFF 5

OFFSIDE 8

FOULS 14

CORNERS 4

BOOKINGS 2

INVERNESS CT v HEARTS

SHOTS ON 4

SHOTS OFF 4

OFFSIDE 6

FOULS 15

CORNERS 4

BOOKINGS 2

Taken from the Sunday Mail