IAIN COLLIN
HEARTS manager Csaba Laszlo could today be brought crashing back down from his weekend high when his appeal against a two-match touchline ban is heard by the SFA.
The Hungarian has steered his side to a hugely impressive five straight victories in recent weeks, with Saturday's 2-1 victory over Rangers cementing the Tynecastle team's position in third place.

However, the former Uganda head coach may find his influence on match-day diminished in the coming weeks following the outcome of this morning's meeting of the SFA's disciplinary committee. Laszlo had his two-game suspension imposed for "behaving in an aggressive manner" after the final whistle in the highly contentious 1-1 draw with Aderdeen on October 25.

The Gorgie side saw a late penalty award by referee Steve Conroy rescinded on the advice of assistant Chris Young, who deemed Michael Stewart not to have been fouled by Dons keeper Jamie Langfield.

Laszlo stormed onto the pitch gesticulating wildly at full-time and became involved in a heated exchange with fourth official John McKendrick, who tried to restrain the demonstrative 44-year-old.

The Hearts boss was then accused of a push on Aberdeen coach Sandy Clark before claiming he had simply been following his usual ritual by going on the field at the end of the game.

The Romanian-born former Ferencvaros manager will put his case to the committee in person today at Hampden in a bid to have the ban quashed, but could also have it increased.

Should the suspension stand it will begin in seven days' time, ensuring Laszlo must sit in the stand for two vital matches – the trip to face SPL leaders Celtic at Parkhead on 13 December and the home encounter with fourth-placed Dundee United a week later.

On the pitch, Laszlo insists he is not getting too carried away by Saturday's win over Rangers.

With some believing Hearts could go on to challenge their weekend opponents for second spot, the Tynecastle boss claims he has already turned his attentions to this weekend's meeting with Motherwell as his team looks for a sixth successive win.

He said: "We only got three points for beating Rangers, no more than that. The victory was a good thing and very pleasing for me.

"We are in third place at the moment but the league is not finished. There is a long way to go before it ends.

"We are thinking only of Motherwell now this Saturday. We have to try to collect as many points as we can and win as many games as we can.

"When the season finishes then we can look and see where we are in the league."

Laszlo confirmed, however, that Hearts will have to try and maintain their impressive run without the services of on-loan Reggina striker Mike Tullberg. The 22-year-old, who has made only two appearances since signing in the summer, has been sent home to Denmark to consult specialist Thomas Macon about his persistent thigh injury.

Laszlo added: "Mike has gone back to see the doctors in Denmark.

"I hope he can come back quickly and fit. He has been here since the summer and not made many games for us so hopefully we can get him back and he can push on.

"It has been very frustrating for him and it's important he gets fit as quickly as possible."

Taken from the Scotsman