Miko determined to win over critics at Hearts

By BARRY ANDERSON
SAULIUS MIKOLIUNAS already has a contract to remain on loan at Hearts from FBK Kaunas until summer 2009. The question is, would he want to, given the unforgiving abuse continually meted out to him across the country?
Vladimir Romanov's rebuilding programme will involve a certain amount of squad re-organisation this summer but Mikoliunas is seemingly able to ordain his own destiny; a Hearts player with his immediate future already negotiated should he wish to remain in Edinburgh.

Controversy seems to court the Lithuanian but he could never be accused of letting the situation depress him. Speaking exclusively to the Evening News, he seems genuinely unperturbed by verbal castigation from opposition fans, such as that witnessed at Rugby Park on Saturday. If others' merciless minds strengthen the resolve of Hearts supporters willing to back him, then bring it on, argues Miko. Djurgarden are one of several clubs monitoring the winger, the Swedish outfit aware that Romanov has the wherewithal to cancel any loan arrangement between Hearts and Kaunas with one stroke of his UBIG Biro.

Mikoliunas was amongst a number of Hearts players photographed by UBIG representatives at Riccarton earlier this season as portfolios were composed of those deemed sellable assets.

He is content to stay put for the moment but cautiously employs the old adage of never saying never. Kaunas, of course, have little say in the matter. Seems Mikoliunas has accorded himself a touch of player power.

"I have a loan contract for next season and I will be happy to stay here," he says. "In my mind I am here until summer 2009 but we will see if something changes. You never know in football but I am happy at Hearts and I enjoy Edinburgh.

"The fans situation is good now. I am playing regularly and I think what happened against Scotland has helped my relationship with them. They really back me. I have had a tough time and I feel their support has really helped me come through."

His antics for Lithuania at Hampden in September clearly live long in the minds of non-Hearts supporters. Others across Scotland continue to be punished for diving but it is difficult to recall anyone suffering anything like the same level of torment as Mikoliunas.

Even an innocuous penalty-box tumble due to the force of Frazer Wright's tackle on Saturday prompted the Kilmarnock defender to eyeball his opponent. With Miko, the first assumption will always be simulation. Rightly or wrongly, it's the way it is. "Scottish football is like that, very tough and aggressive. I have knocks after every game because you get kicked and tripped," he says.

There may be less on-field intensity through to the end of the season with Hearts ensconced in the SPL's bottom half. That's not to say Stephen Frail will happily send out an under-motivated bunch, for finishing the league campaign strongly is often viewed as a useful way of galvanising morale ahead of pre-season training. "Before the end of the season, the task is to win every game. We will try to continue and to finish as high as we can but we know we cannot go above seventh place. That is the disappointment," continues Mikoliunas.

"I don't believe attitude will be a problem. Okay, we do not want to be in the bottom six but we know we have to show something for the fans. They expect the best but, as the league table shows, we have not managed to give them what they want this season.

"Obviously they are disappointed too. As Shaggy says, in January we were second bottom and we've only just missed out on the top six. Last year it was the same, we missed out on the UEFA Cup at Rugby Park and that was difficult to accept. Kilmarnock is a tough place to go.

"We need just to forget this season because it has been very bad. We have the quality and the players. It's not our place to be in the bottom half of the league. Hearts, as a club, should be higher than that. We have a strong squad and many talented players."

Mikoliunas, were he inclined, could justifiably cite the team's underachievement as a reason for actively seeking an exit from Tynecastle. The conversation turns to why decadence has characterised the current campaign.

"It's difficult to say. From back at the start of the season, we didn't prepare well. Pre-season was not right. I don't want to talk too much about it."

To surmise, only two words are required: Eduard Malofeev, a man whose methods of cajoling would put Gordon Ramsay to shame. But his is an influence best forgotten, and Miko knows it. "I think we need to build for next season now," he continues.

"The confidence and the team work must improve and there are a lot of things for us to work on.

"We need to get back on the training ground and starting building the atmosphere, the spirit, everything, so that we start well next season. It's a great chance for young players now to get some vital experience before the season ends. I know that we will have a good future at Hearts with the young boys here. If they can get the chance they will learn a lot.

"I think playing in the bottom six will help them because there will not be so much pressure."

Mikoliunas has just about travelled full circle on his Scottish footballing journey. Initially the Hearts support adored him, then they turned on him, now they're back in love with him again.

Sounds like as a good a reason as any to stick around and ensure next season's loan contract fulfils the ambitions of all concerned.

Taken from the Scotsman