Beni's story one to lift Hearts

Leaning against an inside wall at the club's training ground, his head remains high, his eyes holding your gaze as he focuses on the questions asked. The pose is in stark contrast to the despondent figure who trudged around Riccarton during the season's early months.

It was Angel Chervenkov who started the 27-year-old against Hibs that fateful August evening.

He had completed a loan from FBK Kaunas only seven days previously.

Thrown in at the deep end, thrown to the wolves, Beniusis suffered a mauling as Hearts went down 1-0. There have been just four substitute appearances since, for recovering from that public castigation took fully five months.

Saturday's cameo performance at Pittodrie hinted at renewed vigour within this amiable and overt Lithuanian. One look at his frame confirms he is no shrinking violet, but in 15 minutes against Aberdeen he displayed greater technique, touch and awareness than seemed possible after those early outings against Barcelona and Hibs.

Beniusis is happy with his progress and wants to talk about it, he openly contemplates playing against Rangers tonight in what would be the biggest match of his career. In doing so, he inadvertently dismisses the perception that Hearts' Lithuanian players have an air of arrogance around them.

"I feel I am getting better all the time here. I am growing every day," said the player, who scored 16 goals in 15 games last season as captain of Kaunas.

"I wasn't on the pitch very long against Aberdeen but I tried to do my best. I hadn't played for a long time although I didn't play too badly.

"My legs were a little shaky because I had not played for so long. That was difficult and I was nervous, but I feel better now.

"When I came on the fans were very good with me. They showed me support and that helped.

"I think things can get better now.

"After the first game with Hibs it was terrible for me. My head was so down and it was like 'nobody likes me'. Now I'm better.

"Supporters will have their own opinions but I feel within myself that I can play better for the team. Scottish football was a different style for me at first but now it's my style.

"I think more like a Scottish player. I've been here six months, which is a good amount of time, and I know what I'm doing.

"I've spent time working on tactics in training.

"Tactics are very important in Scotland and I know that. I know what the manager wants from me, like he wants me to close defenders down and work hard. I haven't had much physical fitness because I'm not playing regularly. I had a pre-season before I came here but I feel I'm playing at my normal level now."

Andrius Velicka and Christian Nade will form the Hearts' attack tonight should Stephen Frail opt for a conventional 4-4-2 formation. The caretaker manager is also considering 4-5-1 but, either way, Beniusis will likely be amongst the substitutes having gained Frail's confidence. "Frail trusts me, he is a very good coach," said the striker, who, in a previous interview with the Evening News, labelled Chervenkov the best manager he had ever worked under.

Frail, like many, has been taken aback by the player's dedication to overcoming his early travails. "His attitude has just been fantastic, a really nice guy who took an absolute caning for the Hibs game," he said. "He's just been totally professional in training and reserve games. A pleasure to work with.

"He did look out of his depth at first but his goalscoring record, even in Lithuania, shows he's got talent. I think people see a player who is big and strong and feel he should be battering people all over the place. He's always worked hard in training and it took an enormous amount of character to come back from what happened in the opening game. It was horrific for the boy.

"I would've liked him to score in front of the fans on Saturday because he caused Aberdeen a few problems. I was willing his shot in near the end but it was blocked. But our supporters know who gives their all for the cause. Look at the ovation Velicka got when he came off, which was thoroughly deserved. That proves the fans recognise these guys are trying their best." Beniusis' loan deal from Kaunas was due for review this month, however it seems the player will be allowed to continue his renaissance in Edinburgh until summertime. A worthwhile contribution against Rangers this evening would only enhance his case for a future renewal. "It depends on the manager and people upstairs. No-one has said anything to me," he admitted.

"My contract will run until the season ends and then who knows what will happen? It would be great to get to a cup final. If I play tonight, it would be the best experience. I am always thinking about when I will play next, what I can do better and how to make an impression. The biggest stadiums I have played in have been in Scotland – Ibrox and Murrayfield. I played at Anfield for Kaunas, which is a very famous stadium but not as big. I'm looking forward to Hampden.

"To play against Barcelona was something big but this is the most impor
tant match in my career.

"Of course I want to score, this is always in my mind. It's my job so I will always look for goals. I am a striker and I must score. Unfortunately it hasn't happened yet. I must prove that I can play first, show what I can bring to the squad and then take my chances.

"I don't think about my past mistakes now because if you do that you can do nothing. My first game is forgotten. When you remember bad moments you become afraid and nervous. You will be afraid to kick the ball, afraid to run, afraid to move. You must forget everything and just prove what you can do. When you do that everyone will see your ability.

"I'm not a bad player. I can play and I know what I am capable of here. How often I play is up to Frail. I'm just working and trying to show I am ready."

He still has a considerable way to go, but perhaps in time Beniusis will become Beniuseful.

Taken from the Scotsman