Banks signs new contract to stay at Tynecastle

By PHIL JOHNSON AND MIKE AITKEN
STEVE Banks has ended speculation about a possible move from Hearts to Rangers by signing a new two-and-a-half-year contract as the Tynecastle club's full-time goalkeeping coach.
Rangers had identified Banks as the goalkeeper they wanted to provide cover for Allan McGregor at Ibrox, but the 36-year-old yesterday committed his future to Hearts in a deal which will give him an opportunity to move into a permanent coaching role once his playing days are over.

"I am delighted to have extended my deal with Hearts," said Banks. "I believe that the club has a bright future and we are all working hard to deliver the success that everyone associated with Hearts wants."

Caretaker manager Stevie Frail said: "It's great news for Hearts. When other clubs want you and you pledge your future to Hearts, it gives everyone a boost. I am really pleased that he has decided to stay with Hearts. It is fantastic for everyone connected with the club."

Banks has been coaching the club's goalkeepers on an interim basis since the departure of Jim Stewart to Ibrox earlier in the season, but he has also made more first-team appearances this season than he has in the previous two.

George Burley signed Banks from Gillingham in the summer of 2005 as a back-up to Craig Gordon, but the Scotland goalkeeper's £9million move to Sunderland in the summer pushed the Englishman into the first-team picture on a more regular basis.

Banks has made 16 league and cup appearances so far this season, and is expected to remain in contention for the No1 jersey at least until the end of the current campaign.

An injury problem, however, means he is doubtful for this afternoon's Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Motherwell at Tynecastle. "Steve will be touch and go because of a hamstring problem," said Frail. "He's not trained for a couple of days, but we will give him every possible chance. We will make the decision in the morning after talking to t
he physio."

Although the possible absence of Banks would be a big loss – particularly since Anthony Basso also has a back injury and the unconvincing Eduardas Kurskis may have to play – Frail is more optimistic about the availability of striker Christian Nade and winger Andrew Driver against Motherwell. Michael Stewart, Marius Zaliukas and Lee Wallace also return to the squad. In the longer term, Hearts hope to have Bruno Aguiar back in training next week, with the midfielder having been out of action since last April.

Hearts will join in the pre-match tribute to Phil O'Donnell, who died of heart failure at 35 two weeks ago against Dundee United, ahead of today's tie.

As well as saluting his memory before the kick-off, Hearts plan to donate any profits from a commemorative programme on sale at the game to an appropriate fund suggested by Motherwell and the player's family.

Taken from the Scotsman